A lightning strike struck the ancient Arch of Constantine in Rome during a violent storm, knocking down some fragments, an official said on Wednesday. All the fragments have been found and protected after the lightning strike on Tuesday afternoon, a spokeswoman for the Colosseum's archaeological park said, adding that the assessment of the damage has already begun.

The Triumphal Arch was built in 315 to celebrate the victory of Emperor Constantine at the Milvian Bridge. Work on the restoration of the arch has been underway since Monday.
The Arch of Constantine, about 25 metres high near the Colosseum, is the largest of the three triumphal arches that have survived in Rome. It stands on the road used by triumphal processions.

After a hot and dry summer, the centre of Rome was hit by an unexpected storm on Tuesday afternoon, bringing torrential rain, strong winds, thunder and lightning. More than 80 mm of rain per square metre fell on the historic centre, the usual amount for the whole autumn month, the municipality said. The storm caused flooding and winds of up to 90 km per hour toppled trees.
„It is increasingly clear that climate change and its impact on our lives is now inevitable for everyone“, – said the Mayor of Rome, Roberto Gualtieri.

Marks : lightning, Constantine's Arch, damage.