Italian Court Convicts 32 Over 2018 Genoa Bridge Collapse
An Italian court convicted 32 individuals for negligence causing the 2018 Genoa bridge collapse.
Why it matters: This ruling clarifies legal responsibilities for infrastructure maintenance failures, setting a precedent for corporate and legal accountability. It signals heightened scrutiny for general counsels and legal professionals in overseeing risk and compliance in large-scale projects.
- 32 people were convicted, including Giovanni Castellucci, former Autostrade CEO.
- Castellucci received a 12-year prison sentence for manslaughter and bribery.
- Court deemed collapse foreseeable and caused by systemic maintenance failures.
- Autostrade per l'Italia paid €830 million in fines and committed to reforms.
- Verdict delivered by Genoa criminal court on July 16, 2024, after extensive trials.
On August 14, 2018, the Morandi Bridge in Genoa, Italy, collapsed during a rainstorm, causing 43 fatalities and extensive damage. Following years of legal proceedings, the Genoa criminal court on July 16, 2024, convicted 32 individuals for their roles in negligence and manslaughter related to the disaster.
Among those convicted was Giovanni Castellucci, former CEO of Autostrade per l'Italia, who was sentenced to 12 years for manslaughter and bribery linked to the bridge's insufficient maintenance. The court stated the collapse was "foreseeable and preventable," attributing blame to systemic failures in monitoring and maintaining the aging infrastructure.
Autostrade per l'Italia, the company managing the bridge, avoided direct prosecution by agreeing to pay €830 million in fines and investing in safety reforms. The company’s new CEO, Arrigo Giana, said, "Offering today the apology that was not made then is, for us, a moral imperative that goes beyond establishing legal responsibility."
The court ruling underscores increased legal accountability demands for executives and corporations supervising critical infrastructure. Legal experts note that this case will influence how general counsels advise on compliance, risk management, and regulatory oversight to avoid similar liabilities.
However, opposition counsel for Castellucci, Guido Carlo Alleva, argued the verdict was driven by a need for a scapegoat rather than clear evidence of direct responsibility, calling for a review of legal standards applied.
Since the tragedy, a new bridge designed by architect Renzo Piano was opened in 2020, with a memorial to victims nearby. The case remains a touchstone for infrastructure legal compliance and corporate governance discussions worldwide.
By the numbers:
- 32 — individuals convicted in Genoa bridge disaster trial
- 12 years — prison sentence for former CEO Giovanni Castellucci
- €830 million — fines paid by Autostrade per l'Italia after the collapse
Yes, but: Castellucci's defense claims the convictions unfairly attribute blame amid broader systemic issues, highlighting ongoing legal debates on individual versus corporate responsibility.
What's next: Further appeals are expected from convicted parties, with courts reviewing evidence and legal arguments on liability scope over the coming year.