Florence prosecutors seek trial for Esselunga construction site collapse

The Florence Prosecutor's Office has requested that five individuals and three companies stand trial following the fatal collapse of an Esselunga supermarket construction site on Via Mariti on February 16, 2024. The incident resulted in the deaths of five workers: Bouzekri Rahimi, Luigi Coclite, Mohamed Toukabri, Mohammed El Farhane, and Taoufik Haidar. Three other workers were seriously injured.

Investigators allege the disaster was caused by the failure of a prefabricated beam that could not support expected loads due to calculation errors and insufficient steel reinforcement. The prosecution suggests that the design of the prefabricated components was rushed to save costs and accelerate construction timelines, bypassing necessary load verifications and technical documentation checks.

Charges include multiple counts of manslaughter, intentional collapse, serious personal injury, and violations of safety regulations. A preliminary hearing before the judge is scheduled for December 17.