Italy: Genoa bridge collapse leaves at least 26 dead August 14 /update 1

Event

A portion of the Morandi Bridge (A10 highway) in Genoa (Liguria region) collapsed amid a violent storm around noon (local time) on Tuesday, August 14, leaving at least 26 people dead and some 15 others injured. Over 400 people were evacuated from buildings near the bridge in the Sampierdarena neighborhood as authorities shut off electricity and gas to the area; power was later restored to the locale. 

Over 240 firefighters were deployed to the site to conduct search and rescue operations; the death toll is expected to rise in the coming hours as such operations continue. The section of the highway has been closed until further notice. Other road closures in the vicinity are likely, along with increased traffic congestion.  

Advice

Individuals in Genoa are advised to avoid the site of the accident until further notice and follow any instructions issued by the local authorities.