Ex statesman Carlo Azeglio Ciampi rushed to hospital

93-year-old ex premier taken ill while in Alpine resort

(ANSA) - Bolzano, July 11 - Former premier and ex president Carlo Azeglio Ciampi was rushed to hospital Friday after he was taken ill, officials said. The 93-year-old was rushed out of the Alpine resort of Siusi, where he was vacationing, on a civil protection agency helicopter.

Sources said he was placed in intensive care after suffering a pulmonary embolism, or blockage of the main artery bringing blood to the lungs. He is being held under observation, hospital sources said.