Photo: STEFANO RELLANDINI / AFP / Getty Images
An American tourist, a 47-year-old man residing in Taiwan, suffered a horrific accident at Rome's Colosseum on Friday (May 2) while attempting to climb a metal fence. According to multiple reports, the man pierced his spine on the fence and was left dangling in agony for over 20 minutes before emergency responders arrived at the scene.
The incident occurred at the Piazza del Colosseo, where the man was found hanging from the metal bars. Witnesses quickly called for help, and paramedics worked for more than 20 minutes to carefully free him from the spike. He was given a sedative to manage the pain and prevent further injury during the delicate operation. After being stabilized, the tourist was transported to San Giovanni Hospital in a critical condition, where he underwent surgery and received over 80 stitches.
The man remains in serious but stable condition following surgery.
The tourist, who had been in Rome with family and friends, was questioned by the Carabinieri police on Sunday (May 4), but no clear explanation for his actions was provided. His companions were also interviewed but could not clarify why he attempted to climb the railing.
Local authorities have not yet decided whether to press charges, though tampering with historic landmarks in Rome is highly discouraged and can result in severe penalties. In recent years, similar incidents have led to fines and potential jail time for those found guilty of damaging the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about tourist behavior at the Colosseum, which attracts millions of visitors annually.