Medieval Tower Collapse Kills One in Rome
A 12th-century medieval tower in Rome’s historic center collapsed without warning on Tuesday, killing one person and injuring several others. The structure, part of a row of ancient buildings near Piazza Venezia, crumbled midday, burying streets under debris. Emergency crews pronounced a 45-year-old shopkeeper dead at the scene.
History of the Doomed Tower
The Torre dei Conti di Segni, built in the early 1200s, was a relic of medieval nobility that survived wars and earthquakes—but not decay. Preservationists cite water damage, structural stress, and chronic underfunding as likely culprits. Rome’s UNESCO-listed center has long faced warnings about crumbling heritage sites.
Eyewitnesses Recall Chaos
“It sounded like an explosion—dust swallowed the street,” said Marco Rossi, a nearby café owner. Three people suffered minor injuries, and adjacent buildings were evacuated. Authorities blocked the area, fearing secondary collapses.
Italy’s Heritage Neglect Under Fire
The tragedy has intensified criticism of Italy’s overwhelmed preservation efforts. With 50,000 historic sites, many languish without maintenance. Roman Mayor Roberto Gualtieri called for emergency tower inspections, while Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano promised new funding, declaring: “We must act before more history is lost.”
Victim Mourned as Calls for Action Grow
The deceased, shopkeeper Antonio Bianchi, was a neighborhood staple. “He was the heart of this street,” a neighbor shared. As tributes pile up at the site, officials face hard questions: Could this have been avoided? And how many other towers are at risk?
Future of Rome’s Endangered Monuments
Experts urge public-private restoration partnerships to save aging landmarks. For now, the collapse stands as a grim reminder of heritage in peril.
— Reporting by Riya Kapoor, NextMinuteNews Rome Correspondent
