San Benigno commemorates 82nd anniversary of 1944 explosion

An association held a commemoration in San Benigno to mark the 82nd anniversary of the violent explosion that occurred on October 10, 1944. The event was organized by the Associazione Famiglie Caduti e Dispersi della Repubblica Sociale Italiana, led by lawyer Nino Riccio Tabassi.

During the ceremony, former regional council president Gianni Plinio criticized the absence of Mayor Silvia Salis and the local municipality, describing the lack of an official institutional ceremony as being of “disconcerting gravity.” Plinio also challenged the official cause of the explosion, suggesting it was caused by a partisan device rather than a lightning strike, citing various studies and alleged intelligence notes, though this remains historically unverified.

The 1944 explosion devastated the area between the port and Sampierdarena, destroying buildings, tunnels, and parts of the hillside. While the exact death toll remains unverified, the association estimates approximately 2,000 victims.