News by email Donate

Suggestions

Top Stories

Most Read

Popular Videos

Genoa-collapse-main_article_image.jpg
Luca Zennaro/ANSA via AP
World News

Archbishop of Genoa to host state funeral for bridge disaster victims

by Press Association

After a motorway bridge collapsed in Italy this week, killing 38 people, blame has been thrown at the EU, Italian politicians and the infrastructure company Autostrade. 

Several families have rejected the offer of a state funeral on Saturday and the cardinal of Naples was merciless in his condemnation of negligence by Italian officials.

"You can't, you mustn't die for negligence! For carelessness! For irresponsibility! For superficiality!" said cardinal Crescenzio Sepe. 

The state funeral will be led by Archbishop of Genoa, Cardinal Angelo Bagnasco, who on Thursday said: 

"I am deeply saddened by the huge disaster that occurred in Genoa and that has caused numerous deaths, several injuries and huge damage,

"Our prayers are with those affected by the accident. Genoa will rise from the mourning and pain of this day and show its solidarity."

Other private funerals were held in Piedmont and elsewhere in Italy.

Survivors have been shocked at how they escaped with their lives. Davide Capello, 33, a firefighter and football player, was driving alone on the bridge when his Volkswagen Tiguan and the road it was on plunged to the ground.

"The car protected me. Besides God, the car also did its job," Mr Capello said.

On Thursday, prosecutors said as many as 20 people could still be missing in the bridge collapse, but cautioned that some people initially reported as unaccounted for might be on holiday and had not yet contacted their families.

Hundreds of residents in those buildings have been evacuated - and there is no guarantee they will ever return to those homes.

Emergency workers also want to quickly remove the tons of debris that fell into the dry riverbed under the bridge so it does not create a dam that floods the rest of the city if heavy rains fall again.

Stay up to date with the latest news stories from a Christian perspective. Sign up to our daily newsletter and receive more stories like this straight to your inbox every morning.

A Monthly Gift Of $11 Makes A World Of Difference

In a world of fake news there’s never been a greater need for quality Christian journalism. Premier’s mission is to provide the Church with the most up to date and relevant news, told from a Christian perspective. But we can’t do it without you.

Unlike many websites we haven't put up a paywall — we want to keep our journalism free at the point of need and as open as we can. Premier’s news output takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. No one in the USA is sharing news like we are across radio, magazines and online so please help us to continue that today.

For a monthly gift of $11 or more we’d also be able to send you a free copy of the brand new Premier Bible, a wonderful Anglicised version of the NLT packed with exclusive bonus content, reading plan and resources to help you get the most out of scripture.

Your monthly support will make a world of difference. Thank you.

Support Us
Continue the conversation on our Facebook page

Related Articles

Sign up to our newsletter to stay informed with news from a Christian perspective.

News by email

Connect

Donate

Donate