A visiting American tourist reportedly injured himself while attempting to climb the fence surrounding the Colosseum in Rome, prompting horrified reactions from onlookers.

The 47-year-old man, an American citizen residing , reportedly suffered a spinal injury after being impaled on the metal barrier. According to Italian newspaper Il Messaggero, the man may have been trying to gain a better vantage point.

According to reports, witnesses who observed the incident immediately called for help as the tourist, stuck on the fence, cried out in pain until losing consciousness. Il Messaggero reported that law enforcement and paramedics arrived quickly but required more than 20 minutes to free him.

Once extricated, the injured man was immediately transported to the emergency room, where doctors performed surgery. The outlet reported that doctors closed a wound on his lower back with more than 80 stitches, and he remains hospitalized in serious condition.

According to Il Messaggero, the injured tourist, who remained unable to speak for several hours following the incident, was vacationing with family and friends and had only arrived a few days prior.

The incident occurred less than a week after was buried in Rome’s Santa Maria Maggiore. The Vatican reported that the April 26 funeral at St. Peter’s Basilica attracted over 250,000 mourners to the capital city from around the world.

Italy’s Civil Protection Department and the Polizia di Stato have not yet responded to Digital’s request for comment.