Prosecutors have dropped the most severe initial charge of intentional homicide with possible malice against 24 suspects investigated for the August 30, 2023, train collision in Brandizzo (Turin) that killed five workers. The Ivrea Prosecutor’s Office closed its investigation into the disaster, charging all 24 suspects – 21 individuals and 3 companies – with negligent homicide to varying degrees.
The companies under investigation are rail operator RFI, Sigifer of Borgo Vercelli, and CLF of Bologna. Among the individual suspects are two former RFI executives: Vera Fiorani, CEO until May 19, 2023, and her successor Gianpiero Strisciuglio, who held office until March 2025. Both face charges in their capacity as employers.
The victims – Sigifer employees Giuseppe Aversa, Kevin Laganà, Saverio Giuseppe Lombardo, Giuseppe Sorvillo, and Michael Zanera – were struck and killed while working on tracks at Brandizzo station. A train travelling at 160 km/h on the Milan-Turin line hit them.
Giorgio Airaudo, General Secretary of CGIL Piemonte, commented: “Despite its size and chronic staffing issues, the Ivrea Prosecutor’s Office deserves appreciation for its work. Investigating the three companies with their top managers implies a hypothesis that decision-making processes within the subcontracting chain are not diluted and carry responsibility for work organization and its consequences on subcontractors’ working conditions and safety.”
Airaudo added: “The dismissal of the intentional homicide charge does not eliminate the need to consider this offense in workplace massacres and deaths, from Thyssen to Brandizzo. We maintain the proposal for a national prosecutor’s office, modeled on the national anti-mafia prosecutor, to handle investigations and crimes related to workplace accidents and deaths – as suggested by former prosecutor Guariniello – remains essential, alongside defining the crime of workplace homicide.” He concluded, “This massacre must not be forgotten. Families cannot be left alone. All responsibilities must be established to prevent such workplace tragedies from recurring. Precariousness, exploitation, and cost-cutting endanger workers’ health and lives.”
Massimo Laganà, father of victim Kevin Laganà, stated: “I’m happy the investigation into the Brandizzo massacre that killed my son closed on my birthday. It was surely a gift from Kevin. We now await to see the case files.”