Stefani Rindus
Families of the five railway workers killed in the 2023 Brandizzo train accident have vehemently protested the potential elevation of Roberto Strisciuglio, the current CEO of Rete Ferroviaria Italiana (RFI), to a senior leadership role within the broader State Railways (Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane) group. Their outcry stems from Strisciuglio's ongoing investigation for his alleged role in the tragedy that claimed the lives of their loved ones.
The Brandizzo incident, which occurred in August 2023, saw five workers struck and killed by a train while performing maintenance work on the railway tracks near Turin. The fatal collision sparked a nationwide debate on railway safety protocols and corporate responsibility within Italy's crucial infrastructure sector.
Strisciuglio, as CEO of RFI, the national railway infrastructure manager, is among those under judicial scrutiny for the disaster. Prosecutors are examining potential lapses in safety procedures and managerial oversight that may have contributed to the workers' deaths.
In a statement reflecting the families' deep anger, a representative for the victims' relatives reportedly said, "To consider Strisciuglio for a top position in Ferrovie dello Stato while he is under investigation for the Brandizzo tragedy is a profound insult to our lost loved ones. What kind of example does this set for accountability in our country?"
The families argue that such an appointment would send a damaging signal about the seriousness of the ongoing investigation and the commitment to justice for the victims. They emphasize that any executive promotion should be contingent upon the full clarification of responsibility in the Brandizzo case.
The investigation into the 2023 accident is multifaceted, focusing on various individuals within RFI and the contracted company responsible for the maintenance work. Allegations include failures in communication regarding train movements and insufficient safety measures for personnel working on active lines.
This controversy reignites broader discussions surrounding corporate governance and accountability in state-owned enterprises, particularly when public safety is compromised. Critics assert that leadership appointments should rigorously consider an individual's ethical standing and any pending legal issues.
The Italian railway system has faced scrutiny over safety in past years. A notable precedent of corporate accountability following a major railway disaster is the Viareggio Catastrophe, where a high-ranking manager eventually began serving a prison term after Supreme Court rulings.
The potential move for Strisciuglio comes amidst a period of strategic reorganization within the State Railways group. However, the families insist that corporate restructuring must not overshadow the paramount need for justice and transparency.
As of 2026, the judicial proceedings related to the Brandizzo incident are continuing, with prosecutors meticulously building their case. The families vow to monitor developments closely and continue their advocacy for a full understanding of the tragic events that led to the loss of five lives.
