Genoa Bridge Disaster: Ex-Motorway Chief Gets 12 Years

Giovanni Castellucci, the former CEO of Italy's motorway operator Autostrade per l'Italia, was sentenced to 12 years in prison on May 15, 2024, for his role in the 2018 collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa. The disaster resulted in the deaths of 43 people and caused widespread disruption. The court found Castellucci and other defendants guilty of multiple counts of manslaughter and causing a disaster.

In addition to Castellucci, 28 other individuals and two companies, including Autostrade and its former maintenance unit SPEA, faced charges. Autostrade was fined €15 million (approximately $16.3 million USD) and had its license suspended for 20 days. SPEA was also fined €20,000 (approximately $21,700 USD). The prosecution argued that the defendants were aware of structural deficiencies in the bridge and failed to implement necessary safety measures, leading to the catastrophic failure.

The collapse of the Morandi Bridge, a major artery in Genoa, occurred on August 14, 2018, when a significant section gave way during a heavy storm. The investigation revealed systemic failures in maintenance and oversight, with prosecutors presenting evidence of falsified safety reports and ignored warnings about the bridge's deteriorating condition. The trial, which began in 2021, involved extensive testimony and expert analysis of the bridge's structural integrity and the circumstances surrounding its collapse.

Families of the victims have been seeking justice for years, and the verdict marks a significant milestone in holding those responsible accountable. While the 12-year sentence for Castellucci is substantial, it falls short of the 20-year term prosecutors had sought. The legal proceedings are expected to continue with potential appeals, but the conviction represents a crucial step in addressing the negligence that led to one of Italy's worst infrastructure disasters in recent history.