A worker was dramatically rescued after being trapped for hours beneath the rubble of a medieval tower in Rome today. The incident occurred at the Torre dei Conti, located near the Colosseum, where the man was engaged in renovation work when part of the structure collapsed. Local television footage captured the moment when three rescuers placed the worker onto a telescopic aerial ladder. They then descended and transported him on a stretcher into an awaiting ambulance. While his condition remains unclear, Adriano De Acutis, chief commander of Rome's firefighters, confirmed to state TV channel RAI that the worker was conscious. "Since the conditions seem serious, they will now evaluate him and he was immediately taken to the hospital," said Lamberto Giannini, prefect of Rome, during a press briefing. The rescue operation was lengthy and complex. Rescuers initially attempted to reach the trapped worker through a first-floor window but had to retreat as the structure continued to give way. A second attempt using two ladders was also abandoned, prompting the deployment of a drone to assist in the operation. Firefighters were eventually lifted by crane, allowing them to use large tubes to remove rubble from the second-floor window, working late into the night. Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri reported that the worker had been communicating with rescuers and was using an oxygen mask. He described the operation as "very delicate," emphasising the need for caution to prevent further collapses. In addition to the trapped worker, three other workers were rescued unharmed following the midday incident, according to fire service spokesperson Luca Cari. However, another worker, aged 64, was taken to hospital in critical condition, having suffered a broken nose but remaining conscious. Fortunately, no firefighters were injured during the rescue efforts. The Torre dei Conti has been closed since 2007 and is currently undergoing a £6 million restoration project. This includes conservation work, the installation of electrical, lighting, and water systems, as well as a new museum display detailing the latest phases of the Roman Imperial Forum. Prior to the latest phase of work, which began in June, structural surveys and load tests were conducted to ensure the building's stability, with officials stating that these tests confirmed the necessary safety conditions for the ongoing work, including asbestos removal. The current phase of work, costing £350,000, was nearing completion at the time of the incident. Italian prosecutors were present at the scene during the rescue, investigating potential charges of negligent disaster and negligent injuries, according to reports from Italian media. Witnessing the rescue was 18-year-old German student Viktoria Braeu, who had just finished a tour at the nearby Colosseum. "And then we were like, 'It's probably not long until it's going to go down,' and then it just started erupting," she recounted to the Associated Press. Earlier, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her hopes for the worker's safe recovery. "My thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to the person currently fighting for his life under the rubble and to his family, for whom I sincerely hope that this tragedy will have a positive outcome," Meloni stated. She also extended her gratitude to all law enforcement officers, firefighters, and rescue workers involved in the operation, praising their courage and professionalism in such a challenging situation.