Why did the Genoa bridge collapse – and how thousands of other structures in Italy are at risk

Italian prosecutors are opening an investigation into the Genoa bridge collapse, as questions swirled over what caused the structure to crumble. 

At least 38 people died when a 650-foot portion of the Morandi motorway bridge in northern Italy disintegrated on Tuesday.

The 51-year-old structure, designed by celebrated Italian engineer Riccardo Morandi, has been beset with problems since its construction in the 1960s, leading to expensive maintenance and drawing fierce criticism from engineering experts.

Possible mafia connections have been raised.

Dave Parker, Technical Editor Emeritus of New Civil Engineer told Radio 4’s Today programme that the quality of the materials could have been affected…

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