Genoa bridge towers blown up after 3,500 evacuated

(FASTNEWS|COLOMBO) – Demolition experts have blown up the remains of the giant Morandi bridge in the Italian city of Genoa, nearly a year after the structure collapsed.

Thousands of people were evacuated ahead of explosions which brought down two large towers consisting of about 4,500 tonnes of concrete and steel.

Water tanks were placed around the towers to prevent the spread of dust.

Forty-three people were killed when part of the bridge, and cars travelling along it, fell 45 metres last August.

It prompted a fierce debate about the safety of Italy’s infrastructure.

The Morandi bridge was a critical structure in Genoa, serving the busy A10 motorway network that serves the Italian Riviera and links northern Italy to France.