A 22-year-old worker has died after falling around 10 metres while working on a new lighting system at Rome’s Colosseum, Italian news agency ANSA reported on Wednesday.
The accident occurred at around midnight. Emergency services responded to the scene but were unable to save the worker.
Italian prosecutors have opened an investigation into possible manslaughter and breaches of workplace safety regulations. The case has initially been opened against unknown persons while investigators establish the circumstances surrounding the fatal fall.
Carabinieri officers are gathering documents and other evidence, with particular attention being given to whether required safety procedures were followed.
Initial findings indicate that the worker was wearing a safety harness but reportedly did not have a rope attached to it. Two other workers who were present at the site have been questioned as part of the investigation.
Italy’s Culture Ministry ordered all work at the Colosseum suspended until further notice, while the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum temporarily closed the monument to visitors.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the worker’s death had “shocked and saddened” the country and offered condolences to his family, friends and colleagues.
“Dying at 22 is unacceptable, even more so if it happens in the workplace,” Meloni said, calling for the circumstances of the tragedy to be fully investigated.