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.
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.
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.
