Rome, Italy - The ancient Colosseum in Rome, one of the world's top tourist destinations, was forced to close on Wednesday due to the death of a worker inside overnight, Italy's Culture Ministry announced in a statement.

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was "deeply shocked and saddened by the news of the tragic death of Andrea Moretti, a skilled worker who lost his life last night following an accident at the Colosseum."

The 22-year-old reportedly died after falling from a height while working on a new lighting installation.

"For a person to die at the age of 22 is unacceptable – and even more so when it happens in the workplace," Meloni said in a statement.

Animals Fat Bear Week 2026: Voting extended as internet "not prepared to handle this much fat bear"

In a statement on Wednesday, the culture ministry said "the second-tier section where the accident occurred" would be closed as a mark of mourning.

It later announced that "once the orderly exit of those currently inside is complete, the Colosseum will be closed to the public."

It gave no further details, but said police were working to determine the circumstances of the incident.

The Colosseum, the largest amphitheater in the world, was built in the first century and was used to host events like animal hunts and gladiatorial games.

It could hold around 50,000 spectators at its peak, and often gets as many as 20,000 visitors a day.