Horror moment Rome's medieval tower near Colosseum collapses during renovation work

Part of an ancient Roman tower overlooking the Colosseum has collapsed, leaving several workers trapped under the rubble. The Medieval Torre dei Conti in the Italian capital’s Imperial Forum collapsed shortly after 11am local time during renovation works.

According to initial reports, several people were trapped under the debris, with one 64-year-old worker being rushed to the hospital in a severe condition after a head injury. Two more people hurt by the falling rubble also sustained injuries but were treated on site. The roads around the major landmark have been closed as emergency services work at the scene.

Firefighters worked to free workers trapped in the tower (Image: AFP via Getty Images)

Luca Cari, a spokesman for the Italian fire department confirmed one person was rescued from the wreckage.

The 29-metre tall tower has been closed for nearly two decades but has recently been under construction as part of a four-year renovation that was planned to finish next year.

Luckily because of the renovation work, the popular walkway that leads to The Colosseum was closed off meaning pedestrians were not caught in the collapse.

Videos circling online show a massive dust cloud being cast into the air as the tower collapses and crashes to the floor. The building itself is more than 700 years old, being built for Pope Innocent III for his family.

Italian media are reporting that the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli have arrived at the scene.