A tragic incident occurred in Rome where a tourist, Morimasa Hibino, a Japanese national, lost his life after falling from the Pantheon’s perimeter wall. The 69-year-old man fell approximately 22 feet to his death last night at around 9:50 pm local time. The incident unfolded as he sat on the edge of the monument, leading to his fatal fall.
The unfortunate event was discovered when a passing priest noticed the man lying in a ditch. Emergency services and firefighters were promptly dispatched to the scene, where they had to force open a gate to reach the tourist. Despite their efforts, the man was pronounced dead on-site.
Authorities are currently investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident. Reports indicate that the man was seated on the wall before losing his balance and falling. CCTV footage capturing the area where the man was sitting before the tragedy occurred has been obtained as part of the investigation. The man’s daughter informed the police that her father fell after experiencing a sudden illness, adding to the family’s devastation.
The Pantheon, renowned as Rome’s well-preserved ancient monument and now functioning as a church and popular tourist spot, was the setting for this tragic event. This incident follows a similar one a few months ago when an American tourist, residing in Taiwan, was severely injured at the Colosseum in Rome. The man, aged 47, had climbed one of the railings between the Colosseum’s arches in an attempt to get a better view. Unfortunately, he slipped and fell onto a sharp metal spike, causing serious injuries. He was rushed to San Giovanni Hospital in critical condition for urgent surgery and is currently in a serious but stable state.
These incidents serve as stark reminders of the risks associated with tourist attractions and the importance of safety precautions while visiting such historical landmarks.