Colosseum in Rome reopens after fatal accident

After the fatal fall of a young worker, the Colosseum in Rome has reopened to visitors. The largest ancient amphitheater in the world was closed for three days after a 22-year-old died in a fall from a height of ten meters under unclear circumstances on Wednesday night.

The worker was busy installing a new lighting system in the almost 2,000-year-old facility in the middle of the Italian capital. At the time of the accident, shortly after midnight, the much-visited monument had long been closed. It was initially opened for a few hours on Wednesday, but then the doors remained closed to tourists for the rest of the day.

The cause of the accident is still unclear. The Rome public prosecutor's office is investigating negligent homicide. Among other things, it is examined whether all safety regulations have been adhered to. According to information from the newspaper “La Repubblica”, investigators are also checking the 22-year-old’s qualifications.

Union calls for stricter controls

Despite ongoing investigations, the Colosseum is now almost completely accessible again. Only the accident site, which is around ten square meters in size, remains cordoned off. A total of around 25,000 visitors were expected on the reopening day, as the Ansa news agency reported.

Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli announced the reopening the day before. At the same time, the government announced that it would talk to the unions about safety when working at cultural sites. The CGIL union particularly criticizes the use of subcontractors and calls for stricter controls.

The Colosseum was built in the first century AD as a venue for gladiator fights and other spectacles. With more than 15 million visitors per year, it is the most visited attraction in Italy. The amphitheater has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1980.