Introduction to the Incident

An American tourist’s visit to the Colosseum in Rome took a turn for the terrifying after the man impaled himself on a fence and was left dangling and screaming in pain, while other visitors looked on in horror, according to Italian news outlets.

The Incident Unfolds

The gruesome incident took place around 5 p.m. Friday, when the 47-year-old American attempted to climb over a fence in Piazza del Colosseo, presumably to get a closer look at the historic Roman amphitheater, according to reporting by Il Messaggero.

Details of the Accident

The man fell and was skewered by the sharp metal bars of the fence. He began screaming and bleeding profusely until he became unconscious, the newspaper reported.

Response and Medical Intervention

An ambulance rushed to the scene, and medics found that the man had suffered a severe injury in his lower back that was preventing him from moving. They administered a sedative before carefully detaching him and applying a tight bandage to the wound.

Aftermath and Treatment

It took around 20 minutes to detach and stabilize the tourist, according to Il Messaggero. He was then taken to a local hospital in critical condition. He underwent emergency surgery and received 80 stitches to close the wound.

Eyewitness Accounts

“It was terrible,” a tourist told the newspaper in Italian. “I saw that man impaled on a railing and he couldn’t free himself.”

Previous Incidents

Although this may have been the bloodiest incident involving American tourists at the historic monument, it is far from the first.

Vandalism and Misbehavior

In 2015, two California women, ages 21 and 25, were arrested on suspicion of carving the letters “J” and “N” into a brick wall inside the Colosseum and then posing for selfies in front of their handiwork. They were charged with aggravated damage to a building of historical interest.

Trespassing Incidents

In 2021, two American men, ages 24 and 25, were fined approximately $900 each for breaking into the Colosseum before dawn to drink beers inside.

The Colosseum’s History and Significance

The Colosseum dates back to 72 A.D. and was the largest amphitheater in the Roman Empire, a place where thousands gathered to watch gladiators fight. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and visited by millions of tourists a year.

Conclusion

The incident highlights the importance of respecting historical sites and following safety guidelines to prevent such accidents. The Colosseum, with its rich history, attracts millions of visitors and requires careful preservation and protection for future generations.

FAQs

• Q: What happened to the American tourist at the Colosseum?
  A: The tourist impaled himself on a fence while trying to climb over it to get a closer look at the Colosseum.
• Q: What were the consequences for the tourist?
  A: The tourist suffered a severe injury, underwent emergency surgery, and received 80 stitches.
• Q: Are there previous incidents of misbehavior by tourists at the Colosseum?
  A: Yes, there have been incidents of vandalism and trespassing by tourists in the past.
• Q: What is the historical significance of the Colosseum?
  A: The Colosseum is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the largest amphitheaters in the Roman Empire, dating back to 72 A.D.