Bid to reach worker trapped in medieval tower that partially collapsed in Rome

Firefighters work at a medieval tower after it partially collapsed during renovation work (Andrew Medichini/AP)

Firefighters have been attempting to rescue a worker trapped for hours beneath the rubble of a medieval tower that partially collapsed while under renovation in the heart of Italy’s capital, critically injuring another worker.

Firefighters faced a complex task as the structure continued to give way as they tried to get near the trapped worker through a first-floor window, forcing their retreat on telescopic aerial ladders in a cloud of smoke.