Title: The Morandi Bridge Collapse: Investigating the Causes of an Infrastructure Failure Introduction: On August 14, 2018, tragedy struck the city of Genoa, Italy, as the Morandi Bridge, a vital transportation artery connecting two major highways, unexpectedly collapsed, claiming 43 lives. The bridge, also named after its designer Riccardo Morandi, suffered a catastrophic failure, leaving engineers, authorities, and the public seeking answers about the underlying cause behind this devastating incident. This article aims to examine the primary factors that contributed to the collapse of the Morandi Bridge. I. Design Flaws: A significant factor implicated in the collapse of the Morandi Bridge was the structural design flaws. Constructed during the 1960s, the bridge utilized an innovative design with prestressed concrete cables encased in steel tubes. However, over time, the bridge underwent changes, including the addition of apartments beneath the roadway. These modifications may have altered the original weight distribution and compromised the stability of the structure. II. Material Degradation: The deterioration of materials used in construction played a vital role in the bridge's collapse. Several investigations revealed that the bridge's concrete had undergone significant degradation, primarily due to carbonation and chloride attack. The harsh coastal environment of Genoa, characterized by salty sea air, contributed to the corrosion of the bridge's supporting structures, weakening their integrity over time. III. Lack of Maintenance: Aging infrastructure requires regular inspections and maintenance, yet the Morandi Bridge appears to have suffered from neglect in terms of upkeep. Maintenance works performed on the bridge were often minimal and focused on cosmetic improvements rather than addressing critical structural issues. Consequently, the underlying problems were not adequately identified and resolved, leading to a gradual decay of the bridge's structural components. IV. Insufficient Monitoring: Another crucial aspect contributing to the collapse was the lack of adequate monitoring systems and protocols. The absence of continuous monitoring prevented early detection of potential structural weaknesses or warning signs of imminent failure. Regular examinations and inspections are essential to identify threats to infrastructure integrity, and their absence may have contributed to the inability to prevent the disaster. V. Human Error: Human error also played a part in the collapse of the Morandi Bridge. While the original design of the bridge had many flaws, human decision-making further exacerbated the problem. It is believed that incorrect assessments of the bridge's condition led to ineffective maintenance policies and a failure to recognize the escalating risks that ultimately resulted in the catastrophic failure. Conclusion: The Morandi Bridge collapse in Genoa was a tragic event that exposed numerous underlying causes contributing to its failure. The flaws in its design, material degradation, lack of proper maintenance and monitoring, as well as human errors collectively compounded over time and ultimately led to the bridge's collapse. This tragedy emphasizes the importance of regular inspections, proper maintenance, and investment in infrastructure to ensure the safety and longevity of critical transportation systems worldwide. It serves as a somber reminder of the catastrophic consequences that can occur when infrastructure failures are not addressed in a timely and diligent manner.