(KTLA) – An American on vacation in Rome is reportedly recovering after climbing a fence at the ruins of the Colosseum, falling and being impaled on a metal spike in front of other horrified tourists, according to multiple media outlets.  

The incident, according to the Italian news outlet Day Italian News, happened at around 5 p.m. Friday, with shocked witnesses immediately calling for help.  

The 47-year-old man, who has yet to be identified, reportedly took the spike to the lower back, screamed in pain and passed out, Huffpost reported.  

He “remained stuck in a painful and dramatic position” while first responders were en route, witnesses told the Italian outlet. 

After assessing the situation, paramedics gave the man a sedative while they worked to pull him off the spike, which took about 20 minutes, Day Italian reported. Medical personnel worked to contain the bleeding at the scene and then rushed the man to Rome’s San Giovanni Hospital for emergency surgery for the deep wound.  

The man was reportedly in stable condition after the surgery, which required more than 80 stitches, though it is unclear if there was any permanent damage done to his spine.  

It is unclear why the American, who currently lives in Taiwan and was visiting Italy with family and friends, climbed the fence in the first place.  

Some reports suggest he was trying to take a selfie or attempting to get a better view of the world-famous tourist attraction. Or, as Day Italian News reported, “it is assumed he simply wanted to get closer to the monument.”  

Police in Rome opened an investigation into the incident and have since questioned the man.