 "The Pantheon, built by Emperor Hadrian, is one of Italy's most visited sites (AFP)")
A 69-year-old Japanese tourist has died after falling approximately seven metres from the outer wall of the Pantheon in Rome late Friday night, according to local authorities.
The man, whose identity has not been revealed, was reportedly sitting on the historic monument’s wall when he was overcome by a sudden illness, causing him to lose his balance and fall into the Pantheon’s surrounding moat. Rescuers were forced to open a gate on the Via della Palombella to reach the man, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
The Italian news agency Ansa first reported the incident. Police have opened an investigation into the tragedy.
The victim was visiting the city with his daughter, who told police her father had fallen after succumbing to an abrupt bout of ill health. The ancient wall where the incident occurred is frequently used by tourists as a spot to rest while sightseeing.
The Pantheon, built by Emperor Hadrian, is one of Italy’s most visited sites, attracting over four million visitors in 2024. This marks one of several tourist tragedies in Rome this year, following the death of a Spanish woman who fell near the Spanish Steps in March.