Families Await Verdict in Genoa Bridge Disaster

On 14 August 2018, the Morandi bridge in Genoa collapsed, killing 43 people, including the 47‑year‑old Claudia Possetti, her husband, and their two children. Eight years later, relatives gather in a Genoa courtroom to hear the first‑instance verdict that could finally attribute blame.

Egle Possetti, sister of the victim and a lead representative of the families committee, said: "After many years of uncertainty, a verdict would bring us some peace and a sense of justice." The verdict could be pivotal in clarifying responsibility for the tragedy.

The trial, beginning in July 2022, has seen 57 defendants tried, including executives from Autostrade per l’Italia and Atlantia. Charges range from manslaughter to document falsification; however, all defendants deny wrongdoing. Italian prosecutors allege delayed maintenance and ignored warnings, while defense claims design flaws were unavoidable.

Last month, Autostrade per l’Italia issued its first apology, acknowledging its moral duty to make amends. The old viaduct was demolished in 2019 and replaced by the Genoa San Giorgio Bridge, designed by Renzo Piano, which opened in August 2020.

The verdict will be announced Thursday evening, after which the families committee plans a press conference to discuss the outcome and potential compensation. This event underscores the enduring impact of the 2018 disaster and the ongoing demand for accountability.