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“compiled: Irandokht Atashi”
The Genoa bridge collapse trial concluded Thursday with guilty verdicts for 30 defendants. An Italian court convicted the former CEO of Autostrade per l’Italia, Giovanni Castellucci, along with 29 others. The 2018 disaster sent vehicles plunging into the abyss and claimed 43 innocent lives. Judge Paolo Lepri read the lengthy verdicts to a packed courtroom. Many relatives of the victims wept openly as the judge delivered the long-awaited sentences. This landmark Genoa bridge collapse trial finally holds key figures accountable for systemic maintenance failures.
Justice for the Morandi tragedy
Castellucci received a 12-year prison sentence, marking the harshest penalty in this case. The former maintenance head, Michele Donferri Mitelli, faces 11 years behind bars. Prosecutors originally argued that years of neglect led to the structural failure of the Morandi Bridge. Conversely, defense lawyers blamed hidden construction defects for the collapse during a severe rainstorm. However, the court found the executives responsible for failing to address known warning signs. For years, officials ignored clear defects within the bridge’s pylons despite existing maintenance data.
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Victims remember the indelible scars
Families of the victims gathered outside the courthouse to demand lasting justice. Egle Possetti, who lost five family members, expressed relief at the court’s decision. She hopes these convictions serve as a warning to those responsible for infrastructure safety. Meanwhile, the current Autostrade CEO, Arrigo Giana, issued a formal public apology. He described the actions of his predecessors as leaving indelible scars on the nation. The company previously paid 30 million euros to resolve corporate liability issues earlier in the legal proceedings.
Legacy of the collapsed span
Engineers once considered the Morandi Bridge a marvel of Italian construction. It featured unique A-shaped pylons and concrete-encased stay cables that defined the skyline. Tragically, the structure failed on one of Italy’s busiest travel days, August 14, 2018. A new bridge, designed by architect Renzo Piano, now spans the site as a permanent memorial. This modern structure replaces the fallen section while honoring those lost in the disaster. Authorities and citizens hope this verdict prevents future tragedies and ensures safer roads for all travelers throughout Italy.
