Italian Suspended Bridge Collapses Leaving 22 Dead; Dozens Injured

Nearly two dozen commuting motorists, were killed when a section of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa, Italy collapsed in a sudden and violent storm sending motorists and chucks of falling debris crashing to the ground below.

"We are following minute by minute the situation of the bridge collapse in Genoa," Interior Minister Matteo Salvini wrote on Twitter.

Reports from Italy are still coming in and limited video from locals who happened to be near the scene show a large visible plume of dust as a large 650 foot section of the suspended bridge gave way snapping cables, pulling steel and tumbling to the industrial park below.


Beltway Insider: Trump Stumps; GOP Exposed; Iran Sanctions; Yemen; WH Press Locked Out; Wildfires Rage


Witnesses said a bolt of lightening had struck the bridge seconds before the collapse.

Initials reports indicated an expected death toll of at least ten, rescuers indicate that figure has doubled and includes at least one child. Portions of the twisted wreckage also landed on roofs of the apartment buildings adjacent to the industrial area.

Interior Minister Matteo Salvini posted a video of the disaster which shows the bridge still swaying in the heavy rain storm, with the catastrophic collapse bordering several industrial areas. The Morandi Bridge connects France and Italy. It does not cross open water.

As the roadway gave way, the vehicles plummeted, with the framework, steel, cables and large rectangle squares of concrete, girders all fell on top of the vehicles, trapping surviving motorists, causing one huge twisted mass of debris and death.

Rescuers have pulled two motorists from the wreckage and are focusing on finding survivors. The death toll has double from initial reports and may increase. From all reported accounts, 20 are dead, including one child, and dozens others injured.


Aretha Franklin Reportedly in Hospice Care


"The Morandi bridge, part of the A10 highway that connects Italy to France, collapsed over an industrial zone just after 12 p.m. local time," private broadcaster Sky TG24 said.

This is a developing story.

Haute Tease

  • Elections ou Référendum

    Si la sortie du Royaume-Uni de l'Union européenne semble hautement probable, la demande d'un report long pourrait transformer les élections européennes en Grande Bretagne en référendum déguisé et propice au pro-européens.

     
  • The Rider Review - Stunning; A Heartfelt Story of Loss and New Beginnings

    The Rider, from Sony Pictures Classic, presents the story of a rising rodeo star on the South Dakota circuit facing a career breakdown after an injury leaves him facing life on the opposite side of the ring.

     
  • Adrift Review - Four Stars For At Sea Survival Story

    Adrift, from STX Entertainment and Huayi Brothers, presents the true story of two strangers who through fate happen to meet in Fiji after each sailed around the world and together found love, beauty, adventure and unbelievable tragedy.

     
  • Seven Foods To Eat For Better Skin, Hair, and Mood

    All symptoms of the body from thin, dull hair, and sallow skin, to acne breakouts, body aches and sluggish energy all point to the gut. Gut health is incredibly important making mindful eating an essential part of longevity and anti-aging.

     
  • Peppermint Review - Jennifer Garner is One Badass Avenger in this Solid Vigilante Action Film

    Peppermint, from STX Entertainment and Huayi Brothers, presents the story of justice and the paths many travel to right the wrongs, to avenge the senseless, to expose the corrupt and well-hidden, and to ensure their story is heard.

     
  • A l'ombre de Doha

    Les Championnats du Monde d'athlétisme de Doha révèlent l'impossibilité climatique d'organiser des compétitions sportives dans le Golfe persique mais aussi la faiblesse morale des pays participants pourtant au fait des atteintes multiples commises par le pays hôte le Qatar.