Archive · 4 Nov 2025
Romanian Worker Dies After Medieval Tower Collapses in Rome
A very old tower in Rome, called the Torre dei Conti, partially fell down while workers were fixing it.
The tower is from the 13th century and is near the famous Colosseum.
There were two collapses, one right after the other.
During the rescue of one worker named Octay Stroici, who was trapped under the fallen bricks, the tower collapsed a second time.
Firefighters were trying to save him and had put up a shield, but sadly, Octay Stroici died in the hospital.
Three other workers were also hurt, one very badly.
The work on the tower was almost finished and was being paid for by the European Union.
This tower was built by a Pope a long time ago and was supposed to become a museum.
A 43-year-old Romanian worker, Octay Stroici, died after being trapped under rubble during a partial collapse of the medieval Torre dei Conti in Rome.
The Torre dei Conti, a 13th-century tower near the Colosseum, experienced two partial collapses during EU-funded renovation work.
A second collapse occurred about 90 minutes after the initial incident, while firefighters were rescuing workers.
In addition to the deceased worker, three other construction workers were rescued: one with critical injuries and two with minor injuries.
The renovation project, which included asbestos removal, was nearly complete, and prior safety checks had not identified major risks.
- Who
- Octay Stroici (43-year-old Romanian worker), three other construction workers, and firefighters.
- What
- A partial collapse of the medieval Torre dei Conti during EU-funded restoration work resulted in the death of one worker and injuries to three others. A second collapse occurred while rescue efforts were underway.
- When
- Monday, with the first collapse around 10:30 GMT and the second approximately 90 minutes later. The worker was pulled out after 11 hours and declared dead early Tuesday.
- Where
- Torre dei Conti, a 13th-century tower near the Colosseum in Rome.
- Why
- Ongoing European Union-funded restoration efforts on the tower.
Official Statements
Worker's Concern
Safety of Renovation
Official Statements
The tower was undergoing EU-funded renovation work, and the area was closed to pedestrians. No prior safety risks were identified in the provided article.
Worker's Concern
One worker expressed fear about the site's safety, stating, 'It was not safe. I just want to go home.'
- Worker's Name
- Octay Stroici
- Worker's Nationality
- Romanian
- Tower Name
- Torre dei Conti
- Tower Location
- Rome, near the Colosseum
- Tower Construction
- Early 13th century
- Renovation Status
- Nearly complete, due to end next year
- Injuries
- One deceased (Octay Stroici), one with critical head injuries, two with minor injuries. No firefighters injured.
- Renovation Funding
- European Union
Sources
Rome firefighters rescue worker trapped under collapsed medieval tower
Worker trapped under collapsed medieval tower in Rome dies, media says
Worker trapped under collapsed medieval tower in Rome dies, media says
Rome’s 13th-century tower 'Torre dei Conti' collapses; one worker killed, 3 injured