Ex-Autostrade CEO Sentenced to 12 Years for Genoa Bridge Collapse

Giovanni Castellucci, the former CEO of Autostrade per l'Italia, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on Thursday for his role in the 2018 collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa, Italy. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 43 people when a section of the elevated highway gave way during a heavy storm. The court convicted 32 individuals and acquitted 25 others, with some cases dismissed due to the statute of limitations.

Castellucci was found guilty of multiple counts of manslaughter and causing a disaster. Prosecutors had argued that Autostrade, the company responsible for maintaining the bridge, had neglected essential safety checks and maintenance for years, despite knowing about structural weaknesses. The company had previously reached a settlement with victims' families, agreeing to pay compensation, but this did not halt the criminal proceedings against its former executives and employees.

The collapse of the Morandi Bridge, a major artery in Genoa, had significant economic and social repercussions for the region. It led to widespread disruption and prompted a national debate about infrastructure safety and accountability for private companies managing public assets. The trial, which began in 2021, examined extensive evidence related to the bridge's design, maintenance records, and the actions of Autostrade's management.

In addition to Castellucci's sentence, other former Autostrade executives and employees received prison sentences ranging from 6 to 12 years. The court also ordered the confiscation of assets from the convicted parties and mandated that Autostrade per l'Italia pay a €28 million fine. The verdict marks a significant legal conclusion to a tragedy that deeply affected Italy and highlighted critical issues in infrastructure oversight.