Genoa bridge collapse trial delivers 32 convictions, up to 12 years in prison

On 16 July 2026 the Tribunal of Genoa sentenced 32 defendants for the 14 August 2018 collapse of the Ponte Morandi in Genoa, which killed 43 people. The convictions total roughly 177‑180 years of imprisonment. The longest sentence, 12 years, was imposed on former Autostrade per l’Italia CEO Giovanni Castellucci; former maintenance chief Michele Donferri Mitelli received 11 years, while several former executives and a former ministry official were given five‑year‑plus terms.

The court also ruled that the criminal actions are not subject to prescription for at least the next eight years. Depending on the role of each accused, the statute of limitations for culpable homicide and negligent collapse extends to April 2032, August 2033 or even February 2036, allowing the prosecutions to continue through higher courts.

The verdict marks a landmark moment in Italy’s infrastructure safety debate, highlighting systemic failures in the maintenance of the motorways concession system and prompting renewed calls for stricter oversight.