Police sealed off a section of the Pantheon’s perimeter wall in Rome, Italy, on October 25, after a Japanese tourist fell from the wall and died. Angelo Carconi/EPA/Shutterstock
According to CNN
In Rome, late on Friday night, a Japanese tourist died after falling from the protective wall surrounding the Pantheon in the city center, according to local police.
The man, whom the Japanese embassy identifies as 69-year-old Morimasa Hibino, was found by a priest in a ditch next to the monument, about seven meters below street level, and alerted the police.
Ancient Rome lies about seven meters below the modern street level, which means many ancient Roman monuments, including the Pantheon, appear submerged.
Chronicle of the incident
According to local media, the man most likely fell while sitting on the wall’s protective perimeter after a sudden bout of dizziness, his daughter, who was accompanying him, said.
The investigation into the fatal incident has begun, but investigators found no signs of criminal wrongdoing, according to a Rome police statement.
Gates leading to the ditch had to be removed to retrieve the man’s body. The Pantheon, which also serves as a Catholic church, was closed during the incident.
According to authorities, there have been cases over the years of people jumping into the ditch located at street level. The area is regularly patrolled to prevent breaches of the barrier.
In March, a 55-year-old Spanish tourist also died after falling from a high wall near the Spanish Steps – another popular tourist location in Rome.
Police emphasize the importance of following safety rules in popular tourist areas of the city, especially near historic landmarks and water-filled ditches.
AloJapan.com