An accident at the Genoa Prà port terminal in the early hours of the morning has claimed the life of a worker.
52-year-old Giovanni Battista Maccio’, a resident of Castiglione Chiavarese. Maccio’, who was married and had a son, died instantly after being struck by a fifth-wheel truck while inspecting the seals on a container.
Another worker, who was driving one of the vehicles involved, was injured after being ejected from the cab. He sustained head and back injuries and was transported to San Martino Hospital in Genoa in critical condition.
According to an initial reconstruction, the accident occurred shortly before 3:00 am. Investigators believe Maccio’ was on the ground, checking container seals, when he was caught between two fifth-wheel trucks, one stationary and the other in motion. For reasons still under investigation, the moving vehicle did not stop and struck the stationary one, crushing the victim.
Case of manslaughter opened
Authorities have seized CCTV footage and are examining whether proper safety protocols were followed. The prosecutor has opened a case for manslaughter and ordered the seizure of the vehicles involved, as well as the driver’s mobile phone. Inspectors from ASL3’s Prevention and Safety at Work unit are interviewing witnesses to clarify the incident’s dynamics.
The PSA terminal released a statement confirming the accident at Genoa Prà Port involved Compagnia Unica operators and expressed condolences to the victim’s family. As a mark of respect, the terminal will remain closed, and a 24-hour strike has been declared by port workers.
The tragedy has sparked widespread anger among dock workers, who gathered in protest at the Ethiopia gate of the Genoa port. A white banner reading “Enough deaths at work! We’re fed up” was displayed alongside New Jersey barriers blocking the Canepa seafront.
“This is unacceptable, you can’t leave home and never return to your family,” said one of Maccio’s colleagues.
The strike has caused significant disruption, with traffic gridlocked across Genoa, particularly at the Genoa West toll booth and near the airport.
Investigations are ongoing as authorities work to determine whether all vehicles were positioned correctly and whether Maccio’ should have been in the area where the accident occurred.
Fatal workplace accidents continue to make headlines in 2024.
