A 69-year-old Japanese tourist, identified as Morimasa Hibino, has tragically lost his life after falling off the perimeter wall of the Pantheon in Rome, according to local media reports.
The incident occurred around 21:50 local time (19:50 GMT) when Hibino allegedly lost his balance while sitting on the edge of the wall, plunging from a height of about seven meters (22.9 feet). A passing priest alerted authorities after spotting the man in a ditch.
Emergency services were compelled to force open a gate outside the ancient Roman temple in order to access the scene, where Hibino was found already deceased.
Authorities have launched an investigation to ascertain the circumstances leading to his death. Reports indicate that they have also secured surveillance images and video footage from the vicinity that may shed light on the incident.
The Pantheon is renowned as one of Italy's most visited landmarks, attracting millions of tourists each year.
