Trial is ordered for 59 in deadly collapse of Genoa bridge - ABC News

Summary

A judge in Genoa has ordered all 59 defendants to stand trial for the 2018 collapse of the Morandi Bridge, which resulted in 43 deaths. The bridge failure occurred during a violent storm, sending vehicles plunging into the dry riverbed below. Charges include multiple manslaughter and making false statements. Notable defendants include Giovanni Castellucci, the former CEO of the highway management company. Some defendants reportedly knew about the bridge's risk but neglected necessary maintenance to save costs. A new bridge designed by architect Renzo Piano honors the victims with 43 lamps, symbolizing their memory.

Takeaways

• ⚖️ A judge in Genoa has ordered all 59 defendants to stand trial for the 2018 collapse of the Morandi Bridge.
• 🌉 The bridge collapse occurred during a violent rainstorm on August 14, 2018, resulting in the deaths of 43 people.
• 🚗 The incident involved cars and trucks plunging into the dry riverbed below after a large section of the bridge broke off.
• 🛠️ Defendants face multiple charges, including manslaughter and making false statements.
• 👤 Giovanni Castalucci, the former CEO of the highway management company, is among those charged and maintains his innocence.
• 🏛️ Several individuals from Italy's transport and infrastructure ministry are also standing trial.
• 💰 A plea bargain was approved for the highway company Autostrade per l'Italia and the engineering firm SPEA, requiring them to pay €29 million to avoid trial.
• ⚠️ Prosecutors allege that some defendants were aware of the bridge's risk of collapse and that maintenance was neglected to save costs.
• 🌊 The original bridge designer had recommended regular maintenance to address rust and pollution's effects on the structure.
• 🕯️ A replacement bridge, designed by architect Renzo Piano, has been built and features 43 lamps in memory of the victims.

Q & A

What event does the trial concern?

The trial concerns the deadly collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa, Italy, which occurred on August 14, 2018.

How many defendants are facing trial?

A total of 59 defendants are facing trial for their alleged roles in the bridge collapse.

What were the consequences of the bridge collapse?

The collapse resulted in the deaths of 43 people and caused vehicles to plunge into the dry riverbed below.

What charges are the defendants facing?

The defendants face charges including multiple manslaughter and making false statements.

Who is Giovanni Castellucci, and what is his role in the trial?

Giovanni Castellucci is the former CEO of the company that manages many of Italy's highways and bridges, and he is one of the defendants in the trial.

What legal maneuver did the highway company and an engineering firm undertake?

The highway company, Autostrade per l'Italia, and the engineering firm, Spea, negotiated a plea bargain to pay 29 million euros to the Italian government in exchange for avoiding trial.

What did prosecutors argue regarding the maintenance of the bridge?

Prosecutors argued that some defendants were aware of the bridge's risk of collapse and that maintenance corners were cut to save money, despite recommendations for regular upkeep.

What was the condition of the Morandi Bridge at the time of its collapse?

The bridge, built in the 1960s, was reported to be at risk for collapse, with maintenance issues exacerbated by corrosion from the nearby Ligurian Sea.

When is the trial scheduled to begin?

The trial is scheduled to begin on July 7, 2024.

What memorial has been created in honor of the victims?

A replacement bridge designed by architect Renzo Piano features 43 lamps in memory of the 43 individuals who perished in the collapse.