A 63-year-old British man fell to his death from a viewing platform overlooking the historic Roman aqueduct of Segovia in central Spain, sparking an investigation into the circumstances of his tragic accident.
A 63-year-old British man fell to his death from a viewing platform overlooking the historic aqueduct of Segovia in central ‘Spain’.
The incident occurred on Saturday at Postigo del Consuelo, a small viewpoint within the medieval walls that surround the city.
The Incident Unfolds
According to officials, the man had arrived in the city on Thursday with two other people and was sitting on the ledge of the stairs leading to the lookout point when he lost his balance and fell backwards. He fell from the metres-high viewpoint shortly after 1pm local time (1200 BST).
Emergency officials rushed to the scene and attempted to revive him, but unfortunately, they were unable to save his life. The incident has sparked an investigation by judicial officials, who are gathering testimonies and evidence to confirm the circumstances of the death.
A Historic Landmark
The Roman aqueduct of Segovia is a significant historical site that attracts thousands of tourists and locals alike. Built around AD50, it stretches over 800 metres in length and features two tiers of arches. The structure was declared a Unesco world heritage site in 1985 and stands at more than 28 metres above ground at its highest point.
The Roman Aqueduct of Segovia is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Spain.
Built in the 1st century AD, it stretches over 800 meters and stands up to 30 meters tall.
This ancient aqueduct was constructed using locally sourced granite blocks without mortar, showcasing exceptional engineering skills.
The aqueduct's design allows for water flow despite its height, a testament to Roman ingenuity.
Today, it remains an impressive example of Roman architecture and a popular tourist attraction.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site is a location designated by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as having cultural, natural, or mixed heritage significance.
These sites are recognized for their exceptional value to humanity.
There are over 1,100 World Heritage Sites worldwide, spanning across 167 countries.
The selection process involves rigorous evaluation and nomination by governments and experts.
Sites can be inscribed on the list for their natural beauty, historical importance, cultural significance, or a combination of these factors.
Support for the Family
The UK Foreign Office has issued a statement saying they are supporting the family of the British national who has died in ‘Spain’ and are in touch with the local authorities.
The term 'British National' refers to a person who holds 'British citizenship'.
This can be obtained through birth, descent, registration, or naturalization in the United Kingdom.
According to the UK Government's statistics, there are over 65 million people living in England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland combined.
In 2020, it was reported that 1 in 5 people living in the UK were born outside of the country, highlighting the diversity of British society.
- theguardian.com | British man, 63, dies after falling at Roman aqueduct in Spain
