In a horrifying scene that unfolded in front of stunned bystanders, a tourist climbed over a fence at the Colosseum and impaled himself, landing him in critical condition after a gruesome fall.
According to the Los Angeles Times, the incident occurred around 5 p.m. Friday when a 47-year-old American man attempted to climb a fence surrounding the Colosseum in Rome, Italy, to get a closer look at the historic landmark. Instead of a scenic view, the move ended in a nightmare. The man lost his footing and fell directly onto the sharp metal bars, puncturing his lower back and screaming in pain before eventually losing consciousness.
20-Minute Rescue: How First Responders Saved the Injured Tourist
Emergency responders rushed to the scene within minutes. Paramedics found the tourist impaled on the fence, bleeding profusely and barely conscious. Medics immediately sedated him and worked to stabilize the injury before attempting removal.
It reportedly took 20 minutes to detach him from the fencing carefully. Paramedics then bandaged the wound and rushed him to a nearby hospital, where he underwent emergency surgery and received 80 stitches. Doctors listed him in critical condition post-surgery. Authorities noted that the tourist was unable to speak for several hours due to the shock and severity of his injuries. He was later questioned about the incident, but no official statements about his motivations have been released.
Risky Tourist Behavior at Historic Sites: A Growing Concern
This incident is one of many recent cases where travelers disregard safety warnings and physical barriers at historical landmarks. Experts warn that unauthorized access and reckless actions not only endanger lives but also risk damaging centuries-old structures.
The Colosseum, one of the most iconic monuments in the world, draws millions of visitors each year. However, climbing over its protective barriers is strictly prohibited—not only for preservation but also for public safety.
