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Morandi bridge sentencing and appeals

Updated 3 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-08-14 13:56 UTC → 2026-08-15 01:20 UTC · added removed

On 16 July 2026, the Genoa Tribunal sentenced 32 of the 57 defendants linked to the 14 August 2018 Ponte Morandi collapse, which killed 43 people. The court imposed a total of roughly 177–180 years of imprisonment. The longest custodial term was 12 years, handed to former Autostrade per l’Italia CEO Giovanni Castellucci; former maintenance chief Michele Donferri Mitelli received 11 years, and former Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport official Mauro Coletta received five years. The trial, which spanned nearly eight years and 284 hearings, revealed that Autostrade per l’Italia had slashed daily maintenance spending from approximately €3,665 to €71—a 98% reduction—to boost shareholder dividends. The court also addressed the circulation of false safety reports regarding viaducts, sound barriers, and tunnel security. While 32 defendants were convicted, 25 others were acquitted or saw charges expire. The court ruled that criminal actions are exempt from prescription for at least eight years, with limitation deadlines extending to 2032, 2033, or 2036 depending on the accused. Autostrade per l’Italia issued a public apology, acknowledging the “indelible wounds” caused by the disaster. By the eighth anniversary of the collapse on 14 August 2026, the site had been replaced by the San Giorgio Bridge, designed by Renzo Piano. On this anniversary, the city of Genova held various commemorative ceremonies, including a mass officiated by Archbishop Marco Tasca and a ceremony at the Radura della Memoria attended by Mayor Silvia Salis. To honor the 43 victims, the municipality planted 43 trees. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the event as a “deep wound” for the nation. The verdict remains a landmark in Italy’s infrastructure safety debate, reinforcing calls for stricter oversight During the commemorations, Mayor Silvia Salis announced that the Municipality of motorway concession contracts. Genova will pursue significant legal action to seek compensation for the city's economic and reputational damages.

Versions

  1. 2026-08-15 01:20 UTC Morandi bridge sentencing and appeals
  2. 2026-08-14 13:56 UTC Morandi bridge sentencing and appeals
  3. 2026-08-14 09:34 UTC Morandi bridge sentencing and appeals
  4. 2026-08-14 07:21 UTC Morandi bridge sentencing and appeals

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