Tuesday, 5th November 2024

Year-long state of emergency after Italy bridge collapse

Death toll stands at 39

Wednesday, 15th August 2018

A year-long state of emergency has been declared after at least 39 people died in the collapse of a major bridge in Italy.

Fifteen people are injured and at least seven victims have pulled out of the rubble alive.

Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte declared the 12-month state of emergency as the 10,000-strong rescue team, which includes 400 firefighters, continues to work at the scene in Genoa.

A fear the remaining structure may collapse has led to the evacuation of some 630 people who live near the Morandi Bridge.

Italian prosecutors do not believe the tragedy was an accident.

They are focusing their investigation on possible design flaws or inadequate maintenance.

Genoa prosecutor Francesco Cozzi told reporters: "I don't know if there is responsibility. For sure it was not an accident."

Italy's transport minister earlier called for the top management of Autostrade per L'Italia, who managed the bridge, to quit and said its concession should be revoked.

The firm has said the CEO and chairman are not intending to resign at this stage.

The middle of the 51-year-old bridge collapsed during a violent storm on Tuesday.

More than 30 cars and three trucks fell 150ft as the road disappeared beneath them.

The number of vehicles - and victims - could have been much higher, had it not been for reduced traffic. Tuesday was the eve of Italy's biggest summer holiday.

Interior minister Matteo Salvini said three children - aged 8, 12 and 13 - were among the dead.

An unknown number of people are still missing.

Among the dead are a family of three who had been on holiday.