Colosseum closed after worker dies in 10-metre fall
A workplace accident has claimed the life of a young man in the 2,000-year-old amphitheatre. (Reuters: Yara Nardi)
In short:
A rope access worker has died after falling up to 10 metres at Rome's famed Colosseum.
The ancient amphitheatre has been closed as a mark of respect to the worker, the Colosseum Archaeological Park said.
What's next?
Italian police are expected to investigate the circumstances surrounding the worker's death.
A worker has died after a 10-metre fall at Rome's famed Colosseum, the Italian Ministry of Culture has confirmed.
The 22-year-old technician had been installing a lighting system inside the second level of the ancient amphitheatre at the time of the incident.
"Andrea Moretti, a specialist high-altitude rope access worker … died last night inside the Flavian Amphitheatre following a workplace accident," the ministry said.
Part of the Colosseum, which is one of Rome's main tourist attractions, was closed after the worker's death. (Reuters: Remo Casilli)
Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said the "tragic event" had shocked the country.
"The few words we can express are dedicated to Andrea, his family, and his loved ones," Mr Giuli said.
"We extend to everyone our deepest, most sorrowful condolences at the senseless death of a young man dedicated to his work."
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was "deeply shocked and saddened" by the news.
"For a person to die at the age of 22 is unacceptable — and even more so when it happens in the workplace," she said in a statement.
The ministry gave no further details of Mr Moretti's fall, but said police were working to determine the circumstances of the incident.
Up to 20,000 visitors flow through the gates of the Colosseum each day during peak tourism months. (Reuters: Alexandros Avradimis)
The Colosseum Archaeological Park initially said part of the Colosseum near to the area where the accident occurred was closed on Wednesday, local time, as a mark of respect to the worker.
It later said that "once the orderly exit of those currently inside is complete, the Colosseum will be closed to the public".
Built 2,000 years ago, the Colosseum was the biggest amphitheatre in the Roman empire and was used to host gladiator fights, executions and animal hunts for crowds of up to 50,000 spectators.
It remains one of the city's main tourist attractions, with up to 20,000 visitors a day at peak times.
Italy's biggest union, CGIL, took issue with the decision to close only part of the landmark, saying the full site should be closed for the day.
"We expect Minister Giuli to shed light on the incident and to order the full closure of the Colosseum," CGIL Rome general secretary Natale di Cola said.
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