Families of 43 victims await verdict in Genoa bridge disaster

On Thursday, a court in Genoa will deliver a first-instance verdict in the trial of 57 defendants — including former executives of toll road operator Autostrade per l'Italia and engineers from maintenance firm Spea — charged in connection with the August 2018 collapse of the Morandi bridge that killed 43 people. Prosecutors argue maintenance was repeatedly delayed despite warning signs while profits continued; defence lawyers contend a design flaw in a cable, not maintenance failures, caused the collapse. The verdict marks a potential turning point for families of victims who have awaited accountability for nearly eight years.

The bridge, built in the 1960s as part of a key route linking Genoa to the French border, collapsed during a summer storm at the height of holiday season, sending cars and lorries plunging onto railway tracks below. Charges against defendants range from multiple manslaughter to falsifying documents, though some lesser charges have already lapsed under Italy's statute of limitations. Legal experts warn further appeals and Supreme Court proceedings could extend the case another two and a half years.