Mafia concrete to blame for Genoa bridge collapse?

Engineers claim this was the case when the Morandi Viaduct in Genoa was built between 1963 and 1967.

The Genoa bridge collapse raises claims 'mafia' companies were involved in its construction. Italy has long been plagued with corruption, particularly within the construction industry.

Investigations will probe whether the initial build was shoddy, or if lack of maintenance is to blame. This wouldn't be the first time Mafia-run firms have been blamed for poorly made infrastructure projects in Italy.

43 dead, dozens missing and the rubble remnants of the Morandi Bridge in Genoa is a reminder of the grip the mafia has on Italy. The disaster was the tenth bridge to collapse in Italy in the last five years, and anti-Mafia campaigners are warning that hundreds of schools, hospitals and airports may also be at risk of collapse. 'Cemento depotenziato' translates as weakened cement. It is cement cut with more sand than called for. The strongest ratio is around 30% sand. At over 70% cement, concrete develops cracks. More than 30% sand and the concrete is progressively weakened. It is common for Mafia construction companies to use 'cemento depotenziato.'