Colosseum in Rome closes for day after worker falls to his death

Police on patrol outside the Colosseum, which closed to the public for the day after a worker fell to his death (Cecilia Fabiano/LaPresse via AP)

The Colosseum in Rome was closed to the public on Wednesday to mourn a worker who fell to his death a day earlier.

The 22-year-old man had been installing cabling for an illumination project expected to be completed next month when he fell and died inside the the Italian landmark, according to the archaeological park’s press office.

“We are deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the tragic death of Andrea Moretti,” Italian premier Giorgia Meloni said in a statement.

She continued: “Dying at the age of 22 is unacceptable – even more so when it happens in the workplace.”

Ms Meloni said she hopes the accident’s cause is clarified as quickly as possible.

Authorities are working to determine the circumstances of the incident, the park’s statement said.

The park said thousands of visitors had entered the Colosseum early Wednesday before the closure could be implemented.

It said the site will be closed officially after all those visitors leave.