Global News Podcast

Italian Officials Found Guilty Over Deadly Bridge Collapse

Former motorway operator head Giovanni Castellucci receives a 12-year prison sentence for the 2018 Genoa bridge collapse.

Giovanni Castellucci, the former chief executive of Autostrade per l'Italia, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his role in the 2018 collapse of the Morandi bridge in Genoa, which resulted in 43 deaths.

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26 minJul 16, 2026Global News Podcast

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Italian officials found guilty over deadly bridge collapse

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Key takeaways

What to know before you press play.

01

Sentencing of Former CEO

Giovanni Castellucci, the former head of Italy's motorway operator Autostrade per l'Italia, received a 12-year prison sentence.

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02

Details of the Tragedy

The Morandi bridge in Genoa collapsed during a summer rainstorm in August 2018, causing cars and lorries to plummet to the ground and killing 43 people.

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03

Accusations of Delayed Maintenance

Castellucci was accused of delaying planned maintenance of the bridge structure.

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04

Broader Legal Outcomes

More than 30 other individuals were found guilty in connection with the disaster.

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Ask GenPod next

Keep the question moving.

01

What were the specific maintenance delays cited in the trial?

02

How did the 2018 collapse impact Italian infrastructure policy?

03

What other global infrastructure failures have led to similar legal outcomes?

Background reading

The context behind the episode.

The Incident

The 2018 Genoa Bridge Collapse

In August 2018, the Morandi bridge in Genoa collapsed during a rainstorm. The disaster sent vehicles plummeting to the ground, resulting in 43 fatalities.

2

Questions

Questions to carry into the episode.

Who was the primary official sentenced?

Giovanni Castellucci, the former chief executive of Autostrade per l'Italia.

13
What was the specific accusation against Castellucci?

He was accused of delaying planned maintenance of the bridge structure.

3
How many other people were found guilty?

More than 30 others were found guilty in connection with the disaster.

4

Experts

Voices named in the source.

Giovanni Castellucci

Former chief executive of Autostrade per l'Italia

3

Sources and disclosure

Where this guide comes from.

This guide is based on the Global News Podcast episode published on July 16, 2026.

  1. Publisher show notes

    The former head of Italy's motorway operator has been given a 12-year prison sentence over the collapse of Genoa's Morandi bridge in August 2018.

  2. Publisher show notes

    43 people died when the bridge running through the city came down in a rain storm during the summer season, sending cars and lorries plummeting to the ground.

  3. Publisher show notes

    The ex-chief executive of Autostrade per l'Italia Giovanni Castellucci was accused of delaying planned maintenance of the structure.

  4. Publisher show notes

    More than 30 others were found guilty in connection with the disaster.

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