Ponte Morandi, Autostrade's apology: 'You have inflicted indelible wounds on the actions and choices of some' Relatives of the victims: 'Shocked by Aspi's apology'

Autostrade per l’Italia has issued formal apologies for its role in the collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa on August 14, 2018, which killed 43 people and injured dozens more. The apology came in the form of an open letter published by Corriere della Sera and released by the company early on Monday, just before the announcement of the first-instance court ruling on the tragedy. The letter was written by Arrigo Giana, Autostrade’s chief executive officer, who described himself as one of millions of Italians stunned by the live footage of the disaster unfolding in Genoa. He expressed regret over the actions and decisions made by some individuals that had left “indelible wounds” and stated that offering these apologies now was a moral obligation beyond legal accountability. Giana emphasized that Autostrade has since undergone a transformation under state oversight with new shareholders and management. He noted that the company is now focused on monitoring infrastructure, planning interventions, and preventing risks to ensure safety for travelers and workers. He reiterated the commitment of the company’s 10,000 employees to prevent such tragedies from recurring and formally apologized to the families of the victims, residents of Genoa, and all Italians for the suffering caused by the bridge collapse. However, he acknowledged that this gesture would never erase the pain endured by the victims’ loved ones. The apology was met with mixed reactions. Egle Possetti, spokesperson for the Committee Remembering the Victims, expressed shock at the timing of the statement. She questioned whether even a fictional character like Totò could have imagined a less appropriate moment for such an apology. Possetti pointed out that the first-instance verdict would be announced the following day, suggesting that the apology came under pressure rather than genuine remorse. She recalled previous delayed apologies from former CEO Tomasi, who had been prompted by a journalist, and implied that current leadership might be similarly motivated by external pressures. Possetti criticized the delay in issuing apologies, stating they should have been made immediately after the incident. She urged the new management to provide detailed plans alongside their apologies, ensuring these plans were fundamentally different from the approach taken prior to the collapse. She stressed that apologies alone were insufficient and that tangible actions were necessary to address concerns about safety. While she acknowledged the need for ongoing efforts toward improvement, she warned that the effectiveness of current renewal initiatives would only become clear in the coming years. The collapse of the Morandi Bridge, which spanned the Polcevera River near Genoa, was one of Italy's worst infrastructure disasters. The structure, built in the 1960s, had long been a subject of concern due to structural issues and maintenance delays. Investigations into the collapse revealed a complex web of responsibilities involving Autostrade, local authorities, and engineering firms. The trial process has been lengthy, with multiple hearings and expert testimonies aimed at determining liability and assigning blame. Autostrade, once fully privately owned, underwent a restructuring process that placed it under greater state supervision. This shift followed public outrage and political pressure following the disaster. The company has since implemented new safety protocols and invested in infrastructure upgrades. Despite these changes, skepticism remains among victims’ families regarding the sincerity of corporate commitments to safety and transparency. As the court prepares to deliver its first-instance ruling, attention will focus on how the legal proceedings unfold and what implications they may have for future infrastructure management in Italy. The outcome could influence regulatory frameworks and corporate accountability standards. Meanwhile, the families of the victims continue to seek justice and reassurance that similar tragedies can be prevented in the future. Their concerns remain centered on ensuring that lessons learned from the Morandi Bridge collapse are effectively applied to safeguard public safety moving forward.