Rome's Arch of Constantine Damaged by Freak Thunderstorm

The Arch of Constantine in Rome was damaged after a violent storm hit the city, dislodging stone blocks from the ancient monument. The storm, featuring a 'downburst,' brought heavy rainfall and strong winds that caused widespread damage. Conservation efforts to repair the arch are already underway.

The Arch of Constantine in Rome suffered damage during a violent storm, conservation authorities revealed on Tuesday. The massive ancient Roman arch, located next to the Colosseum, was struck by lightning.

According to a statement from the Colosseum Archaeological Park, the 4th-century AD triumphal arch was hit by a lightning strike during a heavy thunderstorm, which brought down trees, branches, and flooded numerous streets in the Italian capital. 'A lightning strike hit the arch right here and then hit the corner and we saw this fly off,' a tourist informed Reuters, pointing to a fallen stone block.

Emergency response teams have recovered and secured the displaced fragments, with damage assessments currently underway. Mayor Roberto Gualtieri described the storm as 'unprecedented,' emphasizing its concentrated impact on the city's historic center.

(With inputs from agencies.)