Japanese Tourist Dies After Fall from Rome’s Historic Pantheon

A 69-year-old Japanese tourist has died after falling from the perimeter wall surrounding the Pantheon in central Rome late Friday night, according to Italian authorities.

The man, identified as Morimasa Hibino by the Japanese embassy, was discovered by a priest who saw him in a ditch roughly seven meters (23 feet) below street level and alerted emergency responders. Police said the ditch encircling the Pantheon is a result of the ancient monument being situated well below modern Rome’s street level.

Local reports indicate Hibino was sitting on the wall when he may have suffered a sudden illness that caused dizziness and led to the fatal fall. He was traveling with his daughter at the time of the incident.

Authorities confirmed that no foul play is suspected, though an investigation has been opened. Responding officers had to break down a locked gate to reach and recover the man’s body. The Pantheon, which also functions as a Catholic church, was closed to the public when the tragedy occurred.

Police noted that similar incidents have happened before at major tourist landmarks in Rome, including a case earlier this year when a Spanish tourist died after falling near the Spanish Steps. Officers routinely patrol these historic areas to prevent people from approaching the edges of high walls or restricted zones.

Credit: CNN Newsource

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