Pompeii archaeologists have uncovered the remains of a man who survived the initial disaster, only to be crushed by a falling slab of stone.

Excavations at the ancient Roman site suggest a massive explosive cloud from Mount Vesuvius sent the pillar of stone flying into the man, possibly decapitating him.

Pompeii archaeological director Massimo Osanna says lesions on the person's leg suggest he had a limp, preventing him from escaping the city alive.