In a Milan court, prosecutors Isabella Samek Lodovici and Maura Ripamonti requested ten-month and one-year prison sentences for three employees of the Municipality, involved in the case regarding the death of Andrea Elifani. He fell approximately three meters when the railing of the De Marchi pedestrian bridge on the Martesana collapsed on April 2, 2021, leaving behind a pregnant wife. The sentencing requests came after a lengthy presentation by the prosecutors, outlining their case against the accused, who are charged with involuntary manslaughter.

The prosecutors highlighted that the municipal bridge office was well aware of the deteriorating condition of the De Marchi bridge, as there had been prior inspections and photographic evidence indicating its poor state. Despite this knowledge, they failed to adequately assess the risks and perform necessary maintenance work that could have potentially prevented the tragic incident. The hearing took place under the presiding judge Nicoletta Marchegiani, who has been tasked with evaluating the evidence presented.

This case raises significant questions about municipal responsibility and safety regulations concerning public structures. As it unfolds, there is broader public interest in how city officials handle infrastructure maintenance and the accountability of employees in cases resulting in loss of life, potentially influencing future policies and standards regarding public safety and preventive measures in urban planning.