Brandizzo, trial for the massacre of 5 workers takes place in three courtrooms connected via Teams

The preliminary hearing for the Brandizzo massacre, in which five workers lost their lives after being struck by a train on the night between August 30 and 31, 2023, is taking place under exceptional logistical conditions. To address the inadequate conditions reported by defense lawyers and civil parties, the Ivrea court has set up a third courtroom connected via Teams video conference with the other two, enhancing technical equipment.

The solution, described as a "stopgap" measure pending new facilities, was communicated in a joint note from the Court of Appeal, prosecutors, and the court following discussions with the Ministry of Justice. Meanwhile, the municipality has approved the completion of works for a suitable venue by June 30, 2027, with 500,000 euros in funding from the Region.

The Brandizzo massacre is a workplace accident that occurred in August 2023, when five workers laboring along the railway tracks were struck and killed by a train. The investigation, coordinated by the Ivrea prosecutor's office, initially considered the charge of voluntary homicide with possible intent, but the accusations were later reclassified as multiple negligent homicide and negligent railway disaster.

The subjects of the investigation are 24 individuals and companies, including RFI (Rete Ferroviaria Italiana, the infrastructure manager), Sigifer, and CLF. A previous investigation, made public in August 2026, had also included the CEO of Ferrovie dello Stato among those under investigation. The trial is now in the preliminary hearing phase, but the lack of a suitable courtroom has forced temporary solutions, highlighting structural deficiencies in the judicial system. The situation has sparked controversy, with the lawyers for the civil parties denouncing the lack of dignity for the victims' families.