**Historic Italian Tower Crumbles, Leaving Workers Trapped**

A significant incident occurred today in Rome as the Torre dei Conti, a 29-metre historical tower, collapsed during renovation work. The structure, built in 1238 by Pope Innocent III, was undergoing restoration funded by Italy's National Recovery and Resilience Plan when the accident took place.

One worker sustained serious injuries and was transported to hospital, while two others suffered less severe injuries, as reported by the ANSA news agency. At the time of the collapse, three workers were on scaffolding supporting the tower and became trapped beneath the debris. Firefighters swiftly responded, deploying a ladder truck to rescue the trapped individuals.

Luca Cari, a spokesman for the national fire department, confirmed that emergency services were actively working to extract one person who was trapped under the rubble. Videos circulating on social media captured the dramatic scene, showing clouds of dust billowing from the tower following the collapse.

The Rome Fire Brigade mobilised three operational teams, two ladder trucks, and specialist units to the site. Officials later announced that firefighters involved in the rescue efforts were unharmed. A statement from the fire department read: "Firefighters are unharmed following the second collapse at the Torre dei Conti in central Rome. Rescue efforts continue."

The Torre dei Conti, located near the iconic Colosseum, had been undergoing renovations to address significant structural issues. According to Roma Si Transforma, the restoration aimed to rectify "serious problems" identified on the building's external wall, including widespread disintegration and the growth of vegetation that had penetrated the masonry.

The interior of the tower was reported to be in a "general state of decay," with issues such as the collapse of modern false ceilings and damage to window and door frames. The renovation project was anticipated to be completed by the second quarter of 2026.

This incident marks a critical moment in the ongoing efforts to preserve Rome's historical architecture, and updates will follow as more information becomes available.