Former Italian Motorway CEO Gets 12-Year Sentence in Genoa Bridge Collapse Case

A former chief executive of the Italian company managing the country's motorways has received a 12-year prison sentence in connection with the 2018 collapse of Genoa's Morandi bridge. The catastrophic incident tragically claimed 43 lives, leading to a lengthy legal process.

The former head of Italy's motorway operator, Autostrade per l'Italia, has been handed a 12-year jail term following a trial concerning the fatal collapse of the Morandi bridge in Genoa. This judgment comes five years after the tragic event that resulted in 43 fatalities. The conviction of Giovanni Castellucci, who previously served as CEO of Autostrade per l'Italia, is part of a broader legal outcome from the lengthy proceedings. According to Al Jazeera, prosecutors had initially sought a sentence of 16 years and 10 months for Castellucci, accusing him of negligent homicide and causing a disaster. The 2018 bridge collapse shocked Italy and prompted a nationwide debate over infrastructure safety. The 1,182-meter-long concrete highway bridge, a vital artery for the port city of Genoa, gave way during a torrential downpour on August 14, 2018. Vehicles plummeted more than 45 meters (150 feet) into the dry riverbed below, leading to a profound national tragedy. In total, 32 individuals were found guilty in connection with the disaster. Conversely, 25 other defendants were either acquitted or had their cases dismissed due to the expiration of the statute of limitations. This complex legal process involved numerous former executives and technicians from Autostrade per l'Italia, as well as state safety inspection officials. The trial, which commenced in July 2022, aimed to ascertain responsibility for the structural failure that led to such widespread devastation. Investigations focused on allegations of insufficient maintenance and oversight of the aging structure. The Morandi bridge, originally constructed in the 1960s, had long been a subject of concern regarding its structural integrity, with some experts having previously warned about potential risks. The repercussions of the collapse extended beyond the immediate tragedy, prompting significant infrastructure reviews across Italy. The site of the collapsed bridge has since been replaced by a new structure, designed by architect Renzo Piano, which opened to traffic in 2020. This verdict closes a significant chapter in the pursuit of justice for the victims and their families.