Colosseum Worker Death Prompts Safety Review in Italy
Worker dies at Colosseum during installation; PM calls for safety reforms.
Event / Disaster
Rome Colosseum Worker Death
Rope access worker Andrea Moretti, 22, died at Rome's Colosseum on September 23, 2026, after falling approximately 10 meters while installing a new lighting system during overnight work. The incident led to the closure of the Colosseum on September 24, marking the first full-day closure since the COVID-19 pandemic. Italian officials pledged continued efforts to improve workplace safety.
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2026-09-24 to 2026-11-02 · UTC publication dates
Coverage begins 24 Sept, 02:35 UTC
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What happened
Rome's Colosseum closed to public following worker fatality
The Colosseum was closed to the public on Wednesday following the death of the rope worker. This marks the first full-day closure since the COVID-19 pandemic. The monument had previously closed only for a few hours at a time for special visits by dignitaries, such as former US President Barack Obama in 2014, and for several weeks during COVID lockdowns in 2020. The only regular closure days are December 25 and January 1.
Italian Prime Minister calls for workplace safety improvements
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni responded to the worker's death by stating that dying at age 22 in the workplace is unacceptable. She pledged continued efforts to prevent similar tragedies. This statement follows the incident and reflects concern about workplace safety in Italy, where an average of three workers die daily in workplace accidents according to INAIL trade union data.
Rope access worker dies at Rome's Colosseum during lighting installation
Andrea Moretti, a 22-year-old skilled high-altitude rope access worker, fell approximately 10 meters (32 feet) while installing a new lighting system at Rome's Colosseum during an overnight shift on Tuesday. He was suspended above the highest point of the amphitheater when the fatal fall occurred.
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