Worker Dies in Colosseum Fall, Section Closes

Andrea Moretti, a 22-year-old specialist high-altitude rope access worker, died after falling approximately 10 meters while installing a new lighting system inside the second tier of Rome's Colosseum around midnight. Ares 118 emergency personnel attempted resuscitation but he did not survive. Carabinieri, a medical examiner, the duty public prosecutor, the Labor Inspectorate and ASL SPRESAL are investigating. The Ministry of Culture said Andrea Moretti "died last night inside the Flavian Amphitheatre following a workplace accident." Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said: "The few words we can express are dedicated to Andrea, his family, and his loved ones" and "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" and that "For a person to die at the age of 22 is unacceptable — and even more so when it happens in the workplace." The Colosseum Archaeological Park initially closed only the second-tier section as a mark of mourning; the area was not seized by judicial authorities. After CGIL protested, authorities ordered full closure for the day. CGIL Rome general secretary Natale di Cola said: "We expect Minister Giuli to shed light on the incident and to order the full closure of the Colosseum" and "Humanity comes before tourists." No factual disputes found in the record. Investigators are determining the circumstances of the incident.