Major Bridge Collapses In Italy Killing Nearly Two Dozen Motorists

Rescuers are at work, on August 14, 2018 in Genoa, at a section of a giant motorway bridge that collapsed earlier injuring several people

A major bridge that connects Genoa, Italy to France collapsed sending vehicles plummeting nearly 300 feet to the ground below on Tuesday (August 14) afternoon. Authorities said that at least 30 people, including one child, died and at least eight others were seriously injured in the accident. Rescue workers are frantically searching the rubble for any survivors.  

Officials said there were at least 20 vehicles on the Morandi Bridge when a 650-foot section gave way during a severe thunderstorm. According to ANSA, a witness claimed that the bridge was struck by lightning before the collapse. Italian authorities said that there was active construction on the bridge at the time but they have yet to pinpoint what caused the collapse. 

The Morandi Bridge opened in 1967 and serves as the main connection between northern Italy and southern France. Authorities said they expected traffic to be heavier than normal on the bridge because it was the day before Ferragosto, a national holiday when many people travel to the mountains for vacation. 

Photo: Getty Images


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