A Japanese tourist, Morimasa Hibino, 69, met a tragic end during his European vacation with his daughter when he fell from the ancient Roman Pantheon temple on Friday, as per reports from Italian authorities. It is believed that Hibino was resting on the parapet of the 2,000-year-old landmark when he lost his balance and fell 23 feet, resulting in his death.
Hibino was vacationing in Rome with his daughter when the unfortunate incident occurred. His daughter, in a state of panic, called for help. Firefighters who arrived at the scene found Hibino in a critical condition, suffering from severe injuries and significant blood loss.
The Roman police have initiated an investigation into the incident. However, they have ruled out any foul play in Hibino’s death. It is speculated that Hibino might have become dizzy, leading to his fatal fall.
The Pantheon, a historical monument dating back to 25-27 BC, was reconstructed and completed in 125 AD. It continues to function as a Catholic Church today, although it was closed at the time of the incident.
The modern city of Rome is approximately 23 feet higher than its ancient version, making the city’s historical landmarks potential hazards. The Roman police regularly patrol these sites to prevent such accidents. The Pantheon, for instance, is situated below the surrounding streets, creating a potentially dangerous gap.
This is not the first time such a tragic incident has occurred. In March, a 55-year-old Spanish woman fell to her death from a wall at the Spanish Steps, another historical landmark in Rome.