A TRIAL for the 2018 collapse of the Morandi bridge in Italy opened today with 59 people accused of manslaughter and other charges over the death of 43 people.

A huge section of the Morandi bridge broke off during a violent rainstorm on August 14, 2018, when highways were packed on the eve of Italy’s biggest summer holiday, sending cars plunging into the dry riverbed below.

Prosecutors have alleged the defendants knew the bridge, which was built in the 1960s, was at risk of collapsing and that corners were cut on maintenance to save money.