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32 Convicted Over Italy’s Genoa Bridge Collapse

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An Italian court has convicted 32 people, including former Autostrade per l’Italia chief Giovanni Castellucci, over the 2018 collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa that claimed 43 lives. Castellucci was sentenced to 12 years in prison after being found guilty of complicity in multiple counts of manslaughter through negligence. Another 25 defendants were either acquitted or cleared due to the statute of limitations.

The Morandi Bridge collapsed during a summer storm on August 14, 2018, sending dozens of vehicles plunging nearly 50 metres onto warehouses and a riverbed below. The disaster shocked Italy and triggered widespread scrutiny of the country’s ageing infrastructure, while victims’ families welcomed the verdict as an important step toward accountability.

Prosecutors argued that years of poor maintenance, ignored safety warnings and delayed repair work contributed to the tragedy. However, the defence maintained that the collapse resulted from an original design flaw that maintenance could not have prevented. Castellucci’s legal team has announced plans to appeal the ruling under Italy’s multi-stage judicial system.

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Italy’s Genoa Bridge Collapse Trial Nears First Verdict After Eight Years

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Nearly eight years after the tragic collapse of Italy’s Morandi Bridge in Genoa claimed 43 lives, a court is set to deliver its first verdict on July 16. The trial, which began in 2022 and has involved 284 hearings, includes 57 defendants such as former executives of motorway operator Autostrade, Atlantia, engineers, and government officials. Prosecutors allege years of poor maintenance and ignored safety warnings led to the disaster, while the accused deny any wrongdoing.

Among those awaiting the verdict is Cesare Cerulli, whose father, Andrea Cerulli, was one of the victims. Just 10 years old at the time of the tragedy, Cesare is now preparing to begin university. He says he is not seeking revenge but hopes justice will be served for the victims, their families, and the country.

The case has become a symbol of Italy’s slow judicial process. Prosecutors argue that delayed repairs and negligence caused the bridge to collapse, while defence lawyers insist the disaster resulted from an original design flaw that maintenance could not have prevented. Even after the upcoming ruling, appeals are expected, meaning a final judgment could still be years away.

Pic courtesy: google/ images are subject to copyright