Lightning damages ancient Arch of Constantine in Rome during heavy thunderstorm

ROME (AP) — Lightning struck the Arch of Constantine in Rome, near the Colosseum, during a heavy thunderstorm, knocking off chunks of the ancient structure.

Fragments from Tuesday’s lightning strike were immediately collected and secured by workers at the Colosseum Archeological Park, officials said. The extent of the damage was being assessed.

“The recovery operations by technicians were timely. Our workers arrived immediately after the lightning strike. All fragments were recovered and secured,” the park said in a statement.

The lightning strike occurred during a storm that felled trees and flooded streets in the Italian capital.

The triumphal arch, which is over 20 metres high, was erected in 315 AD to commemorate Emperor Constantine’s victory over Maxentius after the Battle of the Milvian Bridge.