A historic tower nestled in the heart of Rome, close to the renowned Roman Forum ruins, has partially crumbled amid renovation efforts, leaving at least one worker seriously injured, according to reports from Italian media.

As the dramatic scene unfolded, hundreds of tourists witnessed firefighters deploying a mobile ladder and a stretcher to reach the upper levels of the Torre dei Conti on Monday.

Out of the team working on-site, three workers were successfully evacuated, while one remained trapped within the structure, as reported by Corriere della Sera.

Amid the rescue mission, another section of the tower gave way, releasing a cloud of dust and debris into the air.

Firefighters, who were positioned on a mobile ladder, swiftly descended when the subsequent collapse occurred.

It wasn’t immediately known if there were more injuries after that.

The Torre dei Conti was built in the 13th century by Pope Innocent III as a residence for his family.

The tower was damaged in a 1349 earthquake and suffered subsequent collapses in the 17th century.

Italian media reports said both Rome Mayor Roberto Gualtieri and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli were at the scene.