A 47-year-old American tourist living in Taiwan suffered a severe injury after impaling himself on a metal fence at the Colosseum in Rome. While reportedly trying to climb the fence for a better view, he was stabbed in the spine, resulting in a horrific scene witnessed by onlookers. Bystanders called for emergency assistance, and it took law enforcement and paramedics over 20 minutes to free him from the fence. The man was then rushed to the hospital, where he underwent surgery to close his lower back wound with over 80 stitches, leaving him in serious condition. The incident occurred shortly after the funeral of Pope Francis, which drew massive crowds to Rome, adding to the somber atmosphere in the city.

The tourist, a 47-year-old American living in Taiwan, was injured while attempting to climb a metal fence at the Colosseum, possibly for a better view, when he was impaled in the spine.

The shocking incident unfolded in front of numerous witnesses who watched in horror as the man screamed in pain before losing consciousness while stuck on the fence.

Emergency responders, including law enforcement and paramedics, arrived swiftly but faced challenges in freeing the man, taking more than 20 minutes to remove him from the fence.

Following his release from the fence, the injured tourist was transported to the hospital where he underwent surgery, requiring over 80 stitches to close the wound in his lower back.

The man, who was on vacation with family and friends, was unable to speak for hours post-incident and remained hospitalized in serious condition.

The traumatic event took place in a period of heightened public attention in Rome, as it occurred shortly after Pope Francis' funeral, which drew hundreds of thousands of mourners to the city.

Italy's Civil Protection Department and the police force Polizia di Stato did not provide immediate comments regarding the incident, as reported by local media.