Former Italian Motorway CEO Jailed Over Bridge Collapse

Giovanni Castellucci, the former CEO of Italy's primary highway operator, Autostrade per l'Italia, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on July 31, 2024, for his role in the 2018 collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 43 people and led to significant disruptions in the region.

The court found Castellucci and 11 other former executives and employees of Autostrade and its former maintenance unit, SPEA, guilty of multiple counts of manslaughter and causing a disaster. Prosecutors argued that the defendants were aware of structural deficiencies in the bridge and failed to implement necessary safety measures, prioritizing cost-cutting over public safety. The prosecution had initially sought a 26-year sentence for Castellucci.

In addition to Castellucci's sentence, other former Autostrade officials received prison terms ranging from 6 to 12 years. The verdict marks a significant legal conclusion to a tragedy that exposed systemic failures in infrastructure maintenance and oversight in Italy. The collapse of the Morandi Bridge, a major artery connecting Italy and France, had profound economic and social consequences, leading to a government crisis and a reassessment of private sector management of critical public infrastructure.

Autostrade per l'Italia, a subsidiary of the Atlantia group, has since undergone significant changes, including a change in ownership and management. The company has also been involved in civil lawsuits seeking compensation for the victims and damages to the city of Genoa. The legal proceedings have been ongoing for several years, with extensive evidence presented regarding the bridge's condition and the decision-making processes within Autostrade. The company has previously expressed its regret and committed to cooperating with the judicial process.