First criminal trial begins eight years after Genoa bridge collapse that killed 43

Eight years after the collapse of Genoa’s Morandi bridge claimed 43 lives, a panel of judges issued their ruling in the first criminal trial linked to the disaster. The 2018 tragedy, which sent a 200‑meter span of the A10 motorway into the Polcevera River, prompted a nationwide inquiry into construction practices, maintenance protocols, and the responsibilities of public officials and private contractors involved in the bridge’s design and upkeep.

The court found several defendants—including a former regional transport director, senior engineers from the bridge’s original designer, and executives of the construction firm responsible for repairs—guilty of multiple counts of involuntary manslaughter and negligence, ordering prison terms ranging from two to six years and imposing substantial fines. Prosecutors highlighted failures to address known structural weaknesses and to implement recommended safety measures, while defense attorneys appealed the verdict, citing procedural complexities. The judgment marks a pivotal step in Italy’s effort to hold parties accountable and to reinforce stricter oversight of aging infrastructure.