World · Europe · 7 hrs ago
Paolo Rambaldi dies in tractor-trailer accident at 73
Paolo Rambaldi died at 73 after a tractor trailer overturned and struck him near Montefiore Conca in Italy.
The accident happened on Tuesday during olive harvesting on land where Rambaldi lived with his family.
Initial accounts say he was walking behind the tractor as it climbed a steep slope, when it suddenly moved backwards; the driver was slightly injured.
Prosecutors have opened an investigation and are reviewing the findings of the Carabinieri, Italy’s military police, to decide whether to order an autopsy.
Rambaldi was known for leading Italy in Miniatura, the miniature attraction founded by his father in 1970, for more than 40 years.
He also served as president of Rimini Rugby.
The investigation is still under way, and his family said details of the funeral would be announced when available.
Paolo Rambaldi, the former head of the Italia in Miniatura theme park, died at 73 after a tractor trailer overturned and struck him.
The accident happened on Tuesday, October 20, at a property in Montefiore Conca during the olive harvest.
Rambaldi was walking behind the tractor as it moved up a steep slope when it suddenly reversed.
The tractor driver was slightly injured, and rescuers could not revive Rambaldi.
The Rimini prosecutor’s office opened an investigation and was considering whether to order an autopsy.
- Who
- Paolo Rambaldi, 73, entrepreneur and former head of Italia in Miniatura.
- What
- He died after a tractor trailer struck him and overturned.
- When
- Tuesday, October 20, 2026, at about 6:30 p.m.
- Where
- A property near Via Gemmano in Montefiore Conca, Italy.
- Why
- The tractor suddenly reversed while moving up a steep slope; the cause is under investigation.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Rambaldi died after a tractor trailer overturned and struck him during the olive harvest.
RiminiToday reported that prosecutors had opened an investigation and were considering whether to order an autopsy.
- Age
- 73
- Accident time
- About 6:30 p.m.
- Location
- Property near Via Gemmano, Montefiore Conca
- Former role
- Head of Italia in Miniatura for more than 40 years
- Family
- Wife Clare, four children and three sisters
3 sources
Aperta una indagine per la tragica morte di Paolo Rambaldi
Travolto dal rimorchio del trattore. La Riviera piange Paolo Rambaldi, storico patron di Italia in miniatura: "Un uomo geniale e coraggioso"
È morto l'imprenditore Paolo Rambaldi dell' «Italia in miniatura» di Rimini: «È finito sotto il rimorchio del trattore»
What people are saying
Paolo was born to bring joy, courage and vision.
A good man, incredibly like his father Ivo, from whom he had inherited above all his creativity.
He created an extraordinary idea: making Italy’s beauty, history and culture accessible to everyone through curiosity and the pleasure of discovery.