Rome: Suspected bank robber rescued from collapsed tunnel

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Rome: Firefighters and specialists in the search for earthquake victims get the buried person outside

Photo: Vigili del Fuoco / AFP

A suspected bank robber has been rescued in Rome after several hours from a self-dug tunnel that collapsed on him.

The man was taken to a hospital, his three accomplices were arrested by the police.

According to initial findings, it was a gang member who made the emergency call on Thursday morning after the accident happened.

Shortly before 8 p.m., firefighters and specialists in the search for earthquake victims brought the buried person outside.

Investigators assume that the gang wanted to break into shops or a bank branch nearby.

Traditionally, most shops in Italy are closed on this long bank holiday weekend.

The burglars – two Romans and two Neapolitans – had apparently taken that into account.

In the midst of the excavation work, however, the ceiling of their narrow tunnel collapsed.

"Help, please free me!" the man shouted, according to media reports.

The emergency services then dug a second tunnel to the rescue.

The man was reportedly supplied with fluid and oxygen while still underground.

wit/dpa