Rome’s Colosseum, one of the world’s most famous sites, was closed from the public on Wednesday after a specialist rope worker identified as Andrea Moretti fell to his death during shift. 

Italy’s Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli revealed the development in a statement, stating that the country was shocked by Mr Moretti’s death. 

“It is a tragic event that leaves us shocked and stunned,” Italy’s Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli said, while offering condolences to the victim’s family over what he called “the senseless death of a young man engaged in work.”

According to reports, the 22-year-old was working the night shift on Tuesday when he fell about 10 metres while installing new lighting, after being suspended above the highest point of the amphitheatre.

It is the first time that the Colosseum was closed for the public since the COVID-19 pandemic. The closure was enforced after the first set of visitors unaware of the incident had left the site.  

“The decision, made during the night, was implemented after the first group of visitors — thousands of people unaware of the incident — had already toured the site.

“An immediate closure of the entrances would have caused a large crowd of visitors to gather outside the monument, potentially compromising safety and public order,” the ministry said.

Built between 70 and 72 A.D. as a stadium for gladiator events, the Colosseum hosts tens of thousands of visitors daily.