Three people were injured when a large pine tree, estimated to be over 100 years old, fell on Via dei Fori Imperiali near the Forum of Trajan in Rome. The incident occurred around 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, marking the third such event on the same street within a month. Emergency services treated the injured and closed off part of the street, while authorities confirmed the injuries were not life-threatening.
Previous incidents involved two other pine trees falling on Via dei Fori Imperiali in early January, with no injuries reported. City officials are reviewing the health of older trees and considering replacing them in heavily trafficked areas due to risks posed by age, urban stress, and pests. The repeated tree collapses have sparked calls for urgent inspections and raised concerns about public safety and the preservation of Rome’s iconic stone pines.
**Why this matters**
Via dei Fori Imperiali is a popular tourist area frequently crowded with visitors, making falling trees a significant safety hazard. The aging stone pines are a key part of Rome’s historic landscape, but their decline threatens both public safety and the city’s visual identity. Addressing the health and maintenance of these trees is crucial to prevent accidents and preserve Rome’s urban environment.
Source: NewsData