Rome, Italy.- The Italian government declared a state of emergency in the northern city of Genoa, where the collapse of a bridge caused the death of at least 39 people and injured more than a dozen.

In addition to decreeing a day of national mourning, Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte stated that the contingency period in that locality will last for 12 months, in order to speed up the investigations and the necessary work for recovery.

He also indicated 5 million euros will be allocated for the initial tasks, a figure that should increase as the area’s recovery progresses.

On the other hand, the Minister of Infrastructure and Transport, Danilo Toninelli, assured that it was authorized the withdrawal of licenses to the private company Autrostrade, in charge of the Morandi bridge.

In addition to demanding the resignation of its directors, Toninelli considered possible the imposition of a fine of around 150 million euros.

While the search and cleaning work continues in the disaster area, the local authorities ordered an investigation to determine the causes of the event and the general prosecutor of Genoa, Francesco Cozzi, referred to the possibility of human error.

Among those killed are three children and citizens of countries such as France, Albania, Colombia, Chile and Peru.

Leaders from all over the world have expressed their regret for what happened and their solidarity with the Italian people.