US Tourist Impaled at Rome’s Colosseum After Attempting to Scale Fence

A 47-year-old American tourist was seriously injured after falling onto metal railings at the Colosseum in Rome on Friday evening. Authorities say the man tried to climb over a restricted fence near the monument before slipping and becoming impaled on the sharp iron bars.

The tourist, a US citizen residing in Taiwan, had been in the city for several days with friends and family. The incident occurred around 5 p.m. local time, as crowds gathered near the popular ancient Roman site.

Witnesses told local media that the man appeared to be trying to get a closer view of the Colosseum, possibly to take a selfie or photograph. He reportedly lost his footing while climbing a railing that separates the public from a restricted area of the ancient monument.

He fell onto the pointed metal fence and remained trapped, bleeding and in visible pain, as onlookers called for help.

Emergency crews free man after 20-minute rescue at Rome’s Colosseum

Emergency responders arrived quickly and began a delicate operation to remove the man from the fence. The process took over 20 minutes due to the severity of his injuries and the difficulty of the situation. During the rescue, the man lost consciousness and hung motionless from the railing.

Paramedics later transported him to San Giovanni Hospital, where he was listed in critical condition under “code red” status.

As per the Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, the man underwent emergency surgery and received more than 80 stitches to treat injuries to his back and spine. He was declared out of danger by Friday night but remains hospitalized for continued care.

Police question tourist as investigation continues

Authorities questioned the tourist on Sunday to determine what led him to climb the fence. His companions, also interviewed, said they were unsure why he attempted to cross into the restricted area.

The man’s name has not been released. Police have not yet confirmed whether fines or legal action will follow.

The incident has raised renewed concerns about tourist safety and behavior at historical landmarks. Despite warning signs and barriers, risky acts for photos or social media attention remain common.

In 2021, two American tourists were fined €800 ($905) for illegally entering the Colosseum at night to drink beer inside the ancient structure.

Moreover, in 2023, two teenagers faced possible fines of up to €15,000 ($16,850) and prison sentences of up to five years after carving their names into the walls of the Colosseum, according to CNN.

Officials are reviewing the incident and may consider additional security or enforcement measures to protect both visitors and the site.