A Genoa court is set to deliver its verdict this Thursday in the trial concerning the 2018 collapse of the Morandi Bridge, which killed 43 people. Prosecutors have requested prison sentences totaling over 400 years for 57 accused, for the most part former executives of Autostrade per l’Italia (Aspi), the company that managed the bridge, facing charges of multiple counts of involuntary manslaughter and failure to ensure transport safety.
The Case Against Autostrade per l’Italia
The trial, which spanned 283 hearings over four years, centers on whether the disaster was a result of systemic neglect or a hidden structural flaw. According to the prosecution, the Morandi Bridge—which had stood for 51 years—suffered from a chronic lack of essential maintenance. Prosecutor Walter Cotugno described the structure as a “ticking time bomb,” asserting that the risks were identifiable long before the August 14, 2018, collapse.
In contrast, the defense team maintains that a latent construction defect, rather than operational negligence, triggered the failure. The requested sentences for the accused range from two years and four months to 18 years and a half in prison.
Did you know?
The Morandi Bridge was a vital artery connecting Italy and France. Following its collapse, a replacement structure designed by architect Renzo Piano was completed and opened to traffic in 2020.
Impact on Victims’ Families
For the families of the 43 victims, the verdict represents a pursuit of accountability rather than closure. Giorgio Robbiano, who lost his brother, sister-in-law, and nephew Samuele in the tragedy, stated in an interview for La Matinale that the legal outcome cannot undo the loss. “Moi, j’ai déjà reçu ma condamnation, elle est à perpétuité,” Robbiano said, describing his personal grief as a life sentence.
Egle Possetti, president of the Committee for the Victims’ Relatives, noted that while the judicial process is essential for the truth to emerge, it serves as a cold comfort for those who lost loved ones. The committee remains focused on ensuring that responsibility is clearly assigned to those who oversaw the bridge’s safety.
Infrastructure Safety Trends and Future Oversight
When evaluating infrastructure safety, look for reports on “predictive maintenance” budgets.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many people are on trial for the Morandi Bridge collapse?
There are 57 defendants, most of whom are former executives of the highway operator, Autostrade per l’Italia. - What are the primary charges?
The charges include multiple counts of involuntary manslaughter, failure to ensure transport safety, and falsification of public documents. - Is the new bridge in Genoa safe?
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