22-year-old worker dies after fall at Rome’s Colosseum

ROME — A 22-year-old worker died after falling about 10 meters while working on a new lighting system at Rome’s Colosseum, Italian news agency ANSA reported Wednesday.The accident occurred around midnight, with emergency services unable to save the worker.Prosecutors have opened an investigation into possible manslaughter and workplace safety violations. The investigation is currently against unknown persons, while Carabinieri officers are collecting documents and evidence to determine the circumstances surrounding the death.Investigators are also examining whether required safety procedures were followed.According to initial findings, the worker was wearing a safety harness but did not have a rope attached to it. Two other workers who were at the site at the time of the accident were questioned.Italy’s Culture Ministry ordered work at the Colosseum suspended until further notice, while the Archaeological Park of the Colosseum closed the monument to visitors.Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the worker’s death had “shocked and saddened” the country and expressed 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 surrounding the accident to be fully investigated.