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Italian motorway boss is jailed for 12 years and dozens more officials are convicted over 2018 Genoa bridge collapse disaster that left 43 dead
An Italian court has jailed a former motorway company executive for 12 years and convicted dozens of other officials over the 2018 collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa, which killed 43 people. The ruling marks a significant moment in Italy's long-running effort to establish accountability for one of the country's deadliest infrastructure disasters in recent decades, which prompted a national reckoning over the maintenance of ageing roads and bridges.
The collapse saw a large section of the motorway viaduct plunge amid heavy rain, crushing vehicles and buildings below and prompting the demolition and rebuilding of the bridge. The case centred on allegations that motorway operators and regulators failed to properly maintain and inspect the structure despite known warning signs. The trial, which involved numerous defendants from the operating company and oversight bodies, concluded with the motorway boss receiving the most severe sentence alongside a string of other convictions.
In short
- Motorway executive jailed 12 years over 2018 Genoa bridge collapse.
- Dozens of other officials also convicted in the case.
- Collapse of the Morandi Bridge killed 43 people.
Explained simply
The Morandi Bridge was a major motorway viaduct in Genoa, Italy that collapsed in 2018, killing 43 people when a large section fell during heavy rain. The disaster destroyed vehicles and buildings beneath it and became one of Italy's deadliest infrastructure catastrophes in recent decades.
The collapse prompted an investigation into whether motorway operators and regulators had properly maintained and inspected the bridge. The case alleged that despite visible warning signs, those responsible for the structure's upkeep failed to take adequate action to ensure its safety.
The disaster forced Italy to confront serious questions about the condition of its ageing roads and bridges and whether oversight was adequate. The bridge was subsequently demolished and rebuilt, with the incident prompting a broader national reckoning over infrastructure maintenance.