Urgent Update: Tourist Dies After Fall at Rome’s Pantheon

UPDATE: A tragic incident occurred late Friday night when a 69-year-old Japanese tourist, identified as Morimasa Hibino, fell from a perimeter wall surrounding Rome’s iconic Pantheon. The alarming fall took place around 11:30 PM local time, resulting in his death after plummeting approximately 23 feet into a ditch.

Witnesses reported that Hibino, who was traveling with family, appeared to lose balance due to a sudden illness before the fall. His daughter informed local media that he was sitting on the wall when he became dizzy and fell. A priest discovered Hibino in the ditch and immediately contacted authorities, prompting a swift response from emergency services.

Authorities confirm that an investigation is underway, but preliminary reports indicate that no foul play is suspected. The Rome police spokesperson stated that the Pantheon was closed at the time, and police had to forcibly open a gate to recover Hibino’s body.

This heart-wrenching incident underscores the risks associated with the ancient architecture of Rome, which often sits below current street level. Police are vigilant in patrolling the area to prevent similar accidents, as there have been previous incidents involving tourists breaching the wall.

In a related incident earlier this year, a 55-year-old Spanish tourist also lost her life after falling from a high wall near the Spanish Steps. These developments raise concerns about tourist safety at popular sites in the city.

As the investigation unfolds, officials are urging visitors to exercise caution around historic sites. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the potential dangers posed by ancient structures and the importance of adhering to safety measures.

Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story.