Former boss of Italian motorways sentenced to 12 years over Genoa bridge tragedy

A former chief executive of Italy's motorway operator has received the maximum 12-year prison sentence for his role in the 2018 collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa, a disaster that killed 43 people. Giovanni Castellucci, once head of Autostrade per l’Italia, was among 32 individuals convicted in the case, with sentences ranging from one year and 11 months to 12 years. The convictions came after a high-profile trial that lasted several years and drew widespread attention across Italy. The Morandi Bridge collapsed during a summer storm in August 2018, when a 50-meter section gave way, causing vehicles to plunge onto warehouses and a riverbed below. The incident shocked the nation and highlighted long-standing concerns about the safety of aging infrastructure. The trial focused heavily on whether the collapse was due to poor maintenance practices or a fundamental design flaw in the bridge itself. Castellucci's legal team expressed disappointment with the verdict, stating they would appeal. They argued that as CEO, Castellucci relied on Italy’s top engineers and maintained that the disaster stemmed from a critical error in the bridge’s original design, specifically the failure of stay cable No 9. This argument contrasted sharply with prosecutors' claims that years of neglect, ignored warnings, and delayed safety work played a major role in the collapse. The sentencing took place in a quiet courtroom in northwest Italy, attended by around 400 people, including victims' families, lawyers, journalists, and members of the public. Emotional scenes unfolded as some relatives embraced and cried, while others sought time to process the outcome. Egle Possetti, a representative for the victims, stated that the group needed more time to fully comprehend the implications of the ruling, given the complexity of the case involving numerous defendants. Among the 32 convicted individuals, some faced lighter sentences, while others were acquitted or saw charges expire due to the statute of limitations. The trial not only addressed the tragic loss of life but also tested Italy’s judicial system, known for its slowness in handling complex cases. Prosecutors emphasized that the disaster revealed systemic issues in how infrastructure was managed and maintained in the country. The political landscape shifted following the tragedy, with the Benetton family eventually giving up their controlling interest in Autostrade per l’Italia. Meanwhile, the remnants of the Morandi Bridge were dismantled and replaced by the Genoa San Giorgio Bridge, designed by renowned architect Renzo Piano. The new structure, completed in August 2020, incorporates elements inspired by Genoa’s maritime history, featuring sail-like shapes that reflect the city's seafaring past. The trial underscored the ongoing debate over infrastructure safety and corporate responsibility in Italy. While the victims' families seek closure, the broader implications of the case continue to resonate within the country’s legal and political spheres. The new bridge stands as a symbol of renewal, yet questions about the management of aging infrastructure persist.