Tourists at the Colosseum in Rome.
Share this @internewscast.com

A TOURIST was impaled and left suspended before an astonished crowd at the Colosseum following a botched selfie attempt.

It is reported that the individual scaled the barriers encircling the historic Roman landmark to capture a more favorable shot.

Tourists at the Colosseum in Rome.
An American tourist was impaled on a metal fence at the Colosseum in Rome while trying to take a selfie (stock image)Credit: AFP – Getty
TOPSHOT - This photograph shows a rainbow over the Colosseum in Rome on April 29, 2025. (Photo by Martin LELIEVRE / AFP) (Photo by MARTIN LELIEVRE/AFP via Getty Images)
While climbing the fence, the man slipped and was pierced through the spine by a sharp metal spikeCredit: AFP

The alarming incident occurred on Friday afternoon in Rome, Italy.

The 47-year-old American, who lives in Taiwan, was seen scaling the barriers near the Colosseum’s massive stone arches.

He might have been trying to snap a dramatic selfie when he lost his footing, according to reports by local media.

He slipped and fell directly onto one of the fence’s sharp spikes, which pierced through his back.

The spike impaled him through the spine, leaving him hanging and bleeding heavily, according to Italian publication Il Messaggero.

Witnesses said the man screamed in pain and eventually passed out as horrified tourists watched in disbelief.

It took first responders more than 20 minutes to remove him from the fence.

“It was a complex operation,” one paramedic told Il Messaggero.

“He was losing a lot of blood, and we had to work with extreme caution.”

The man was transported in critical “code red” condition to San Giovanni Hospital.

Tourist who carved his name Ivan into Rome Colosseum begs police for forgiveness as top warns he faces 5 years in jail

Doctors there immediately performed emergency surgery and gave him more than 80 stitches.

By Friday night, he was no longer in immediate danger but remained in serious and stable condition.

The man had been vacationing in Rome with family and friends for several days before the incident.

Police questioned him later in the hospital, trying to determine what led to the dangerous stunt.

His travel companions were also interviewed, but said they didn’t know why he decided to climb the fence.

Authorities have not yet said whether any charges will be filed.

Il Messaggero noted he may have simply wanted a closer view of the monument, or a standout selfie.

American tourists have been in hot water at the Colosseum before.

In 2021, two US visitors were fined about $900 for sneaking in after hours to drink beer inside the ruins.

With over 7 million people visiting every year, the Colosseum remains one of the world’s top tourist attractions.

Officials have repeatedly urged visitors to respect the site and warned against dangerous or disrespectful behavior.

The ancient amphitheater, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has suffered damage from both time and tourist misuse.

Italian authorities have tightened security and issued fines to help protect the historic monument.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
'Brazen' Louvre thieves made targeted heist, treasures could be melted down: expert

Inside the Heist: A Cinematic Jewel Theft Unfolds in Paris

Every now and then, journalists come across stories so extraordinary that even…
Slain motorcyclist’s sweetheart says $50K bail for murder suspect with criminal record left her ‘hopeless’

Motorcyclist’s Partner Expresses Dismay Over $50K Bail for Murder Suspect With Previous Criminal Record

The bereaved partner of a motorcyclist who lost his life in Washington…
Rubio slams UNRWA as a 'subsidiary of Hamas,' vows it will not 'play any role' in delivering aid to Gaza

Senator Rubio Denounces UNRWA as ‘Hamas Subsidiary,’ Pledges to Block Gaza Aid Involvement

In the wake of Vice President JD Vance’s departure back to Washington,…
Universities defiant on Trump's academic excellence compact as feedback deadline passes

Universities Stand Firm Against Trump’s Academic Excellence Compact as Feedback Deadline Expires

In a notable response to the Trump administration’s proposed Compact for Academic…
MAD DADS plans justice walk and community search for answers in death of young Jacksonville father

Justice Walk: MAD DADS Lead the Charge to Uncover Truth in Young Jacksonville Father’s Tragic Death

In a determined quest for justice, the organization MAD DADS Jacksonville, alongside…
ICE in Chicago: Judge rules detainment of Ruben Torres Maldonado, father of teen with cancer unlawful, orders prompt bond hearing

Chicago Court Declares ICE Detainment of Cancer Patient’s Father Unlawful, Orders Immediate Bond Hearing

In a significant development on Friday, a federal judge issued a new…
Michigan babysitter accused of sexually abusing children in her care faces 47 charges, police say

Michigan Babysitter Faces 47 Charges for Alleged Child Abuse, Police Report

In a deeply unsettling case emerging from Michigan, a 63-year-old babysitter, Gaila…
Company recalls 2 million pounds of barbecue pork jerky that may contain metal wire

Urgent Recall: 2 Million Pounds of BBQ Pork Jerky Pulled from Shelves Over Metal Wire Contamination Concerns

A South Dakota-based company has issued a recall for over 2.2 million…
Trump speaks at tele-rally to boost GOP's chances in governor's race in New Jersey

Trump Rallies Virtually: Energizing GOP Voters for New Jersey Governor’s Race Victory

In a spirited appeal to his supporters in New Jersey, former President…
Can AI keep students motivated, or does it do the opposite?

Unleashing AI in Education: Boosting Student Motivation or Creating New Challenges?

Imagine a student utilizing a writing assistant powered by generative AI technology.…
DHS marks 'one of the most violent days' of Operation Midway Blitz with several arrests

DHS Reports Surge in Arrests During Intense Operation Midway Blitz Day

Nine individuals, comprising three undocumented immigrants and six American citizens, were apprehended…
Hilary Duff sobs after spilling coffee all over her Balenciaga bag

Hilary Duff’s Coffee Spill Drama: Balenciaga Bag Mishap Sparks Emotional Reaction

Hilary Duff recently shared an emotional moment with her followers, posting a…