Genoa remembers the tragedy seven years after the Morandi Bridge collapse.

A small number of national institutional representatives attended today's ceremony marking the seventh anniversary of the collapse of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa, which occurred on August 14, 2018, at 11:36 a.m. The disaster claimed the lives of 43 people. For the first time, the main part of the commemoration will take place in the area adjacent to the 14.08.2018 Memorial (inaugurated on December 15). However, Deputy Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Edoardo Rixi, delegated by the Prime Minister's Office, will be representing the Italian state alone (barring any last-minute surprises).

Last Tuesday, the Prime Ministerial Decree implementing the law to support the victims of the Polcevera viaduct collapse was approved. Law 63 of April 15, 2025, established a tool that finally recognizes the rights of victims of similar tragedies. The Prime Ministerial Decree will translate this principle into concrete aid: financial support for relatives, assistance for those in need and nearing retirement, scholarships to support orphans through school and university, job opportunities for those who have lost their jobs, and simplified procedures for citizenship recognition for those who have lived legally in Italy for years.

The measure, signed by Infrastructure Minister Matteo Salvini and Economy and Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, "is in addition to and independent of the compensation that will be determined by the judiciary," according to a statement from the Ministry of Transport. It still awaits the final signature of Undersecretary to the Prime Minister's Office, Alfredo Mantovano—expected very soon, the ministry assures—before it becomes fully effective.

Furthermore, in the coming weeks, the disbursement procedures will be operational, managed by the body already responsible for compensating road victims (Road Victims Fund). The legislation, of course, applies not only to the Morandi Bridge but also to anyone involved in any future events involving road and highway infrastructure of national importance.

As for the commemorations, today, August 14th, at 9:00 a.m., a Mass will be celebrated in the Parish Church of San Bartolomeo della Certosa, celebrated by the Archbishop of Genoa, Monsignor Marco Tasca. The Mayor of Genoa, Silvia Salis, will be present.