A 47-year-old American tourist, currently residing in Taiwan, suffered a horrific accident at Rome’s iconic Colosseum, impaling himself on a metal fence. The incident, which occurred on a Friday afternoon, left the man suspended helplessly for over 20 minutes, causing him to scream in agony until he lost consciousness.
According to Italian news sources, the man had been attempting to climb the fence, possibly to capture a selfie or gain a better view of the historic monument. His actions resulted in a severe spinal injury that required 80 stitches. The shocking scene unfolded in front of numerous tourists who quickly alerted emergency services.
Paramedics arrived at the scene and spent over 20 minutes extricating the man from the metal railing. He was then rushed to the nearby San Giovanni hospital in a critical condition. Medical staff provided oxygen and stitched up his wounds, and he is now reported to be in a serious but stable condition.
The man had been visiting Rome with family and friends for several days prior to the accident. The Carabinieri police questioned him on Sunday regarding the incident. His companions were also questioned, but they were unable to provide an explanation for his decision to climb the railings.
This incident is not the first involving tourists at the Colosseum. In 2021, two American tourists were fined $900 for illegally entering the Colosseum at night to consume beer inside the ancient stadium.
The Colosseum, one of Rome’s most significant ancient attractions, draws millions of visitors each year. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of respecting safety measures when visiting such historical sites.