Horror moment Rome's medieval tower near Colosseum collapses during renovation work

Part of an ancient Roman tower overlooking the Colosseum has collapsed, reportedly leaving one worker trapped under the rubble. The Medieval Torre dei Conti in the Italian capital's Imperial Forum collapsed shortly after 11am local time (10am GMT) during renovation works.

According to initial reports, one 64-year-old worker was rushed to the hospital after a head injury, although he is not believed to be in a life-threatening situation. Another person was trapped under the fallen debris. Two more people hit by the falling rubble also sustained injuries but were treated on site. The roads around the major landmark, just miles from Rome's most renowned monument, have been closed as emergency services work at the scene.

Luca Cari, a spokesman for the Italian fire department, confirmed one person was rescued from the wreckage.

The 29-metre-tall tower has been closed for nearly two decades but has recently been under construction as part of a four-year renovation that was planned to finish next year.

The renovation of the building, which was once home to city hall offices, was due to be completed next year.

Luckily, because of the renovation work, the popular walkway that leads to The Colosseum was closed off, meaning pedestrians were not caught in the collapse.

Videos circling online show a massive dust cloud being cast into the air as the tower collapses and crashes to the floor. The building itself is more than 700 years old, having been built for Pope Innocent III for his family.

Italian media are reporting that the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri and Italian Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli have arrived at the scene.