ROME, Sept 4: The Arch of Constantine, the ancient Roman monument situated next to the Colosseum, sustained damage after a severe storm struck Rome, according to conservation authorities on Tuesday.

The Colosseum Archaeological Park confirmed that the historic triumphal arch was struck by lightning, causing significant damage. The arch, erected in the 4th century AD to commemorate the victory of Emperor Constantine over his rival Maxentius, is approximately 25 meters (82 feet) high and stands in a popular tourist area adjacent to the Colosseum.

A tourist who witnessed the event described the scene to Reuters: “A lightning strike hit the arch right here and then hit the corner, and we saw this block of stone fall to the ground.” Photographs and video footage from Reuters show large blocks of stone and rubble scattered around the monument, with archaeological park staff working to gather the debris.

The archaeological park reported that all fragments have been recovered and secured. "Damage assessments have already begun and analyses will continue tomorrow morning," the park said in a statement. The lightning struck the southern side of the arch, where pre-scheduled conservation work had commenced two days prior. The focus of this ongoing work will now include repairs to the damage caused by the storm.

The incident occurred amidst a heavy thunderstorm that also caused trees and branches to fall and flooded several streets in the Italian capital.