Mattarella attends 10th anniversary of deadly Corato train crash

Italian President Sergio Mattarella joined families of victims and local officials in Andria to commemorate the 10th anniversary of a devastating train crash. The collision on July 12, 2016, between Andria and Corato claimed 23 lives and left 51 injured.

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The truth is that we suffered quite a bit. We knew we were facing a physically very strong team that caused us a lot of problems. In certain periods of the game, we didn't find the right solutions.

The accident occurred on a single-track section managed by Ferrotramviaria using a telephone block system. Investigations and subsequent court rulings determined the crash resulted from "human error." The Andria station chief, Vito Piccarreta, received a sentence of 6 years and 3 months on appeal, while the train conductor, Nicola Lorizzo, was sentenced to 6 years and 9 months.

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This time, luck was on our side. We only took the initiative on the field when we had an extra player. We have to be honest with ourselves and admit that we will have to improve many things, but it is always easier to fix certain mistakes after victories.

Appeals courts cleared Ferrotramviaria of administrative wrongdoing and acquitted 14 other defendants. The case is now headed to the Court of Cassation on October 7. The ceremony also included the regional president of Puglia, Antonio Decaro, and the mayor of Andria, Giovanna Bruno, alongside other local dignitaries.

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Such victories are the most beautiful and give the team a lot of confidence. I would like to win in an easier way, but at this moment, the most important thing is that we continue on the path to the final goal.