Privatized bridge collapse in Italy killed 43 after maintenance neglect
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The 2018 collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa killed 43 people after the private operator Autostrade per l'Italia neglected maintenance to cut costs. The company's former CEO received a 12-year prison sentence, and 32 others were convicted. The disaster has renewed scrutiny as Turkey moves to privatize its Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges and highways for 30 years.
Key Facts
- The Morandi Bridge in Genoa collapsed in 2018, killing 43 people.
- The bridge was operated by Autostrade per l'Italia, majority-owned by the Benetton family.
- The company's former CEO was sentenced to 12 years in prison, and 32 others were convicted.
- Autostrade per l'Italia had bid for Turkey's bridges and highways in 2012.
The Collapse
The Morandi Bridge in Genoa collapsed on August 14, 2018, killing 43 people. The bridge was part of a highway project built by the state and later transferred to a private company. Investigators found that the operator, Autostrade per l'Italia, had neglected maintenance after privatization to reduce costs.
Legal Consequences
Prosecutors filed charges against company officials following the disaster. The former CEO of Autostrade per l'Italia received a 12-year prison sentence. A total of 32 people were convicted in connection with the collapse.
Turkish Privatization Context
Turkey is moving to transfer operating rights for the Bosphorus and Fatih Sultan Mehmet bridges and highways to the private sector for 30 years. Autostrade per l'Italia had bid for Turkey's bridges and highways in 2012. The Italian disaster has brought renewed attention to the risks of privatizing critical infrastructure.
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