(ANSA) - Lucca, July 18 - The trial of 33 people began Wednesday over a gas-train explosion in the Tuscan seaside town of Viareggio that claimed 32 lives in June 2009. The CEO of state railways company Ferrovie dello Stato, Mauro Moretti, is among those indicted on charges including manslaughter and responsibility for causing a rail disaster. Family members carried pictures of the victims and a banner outside the courthouse in Lucca, accusing the railway of "choosing to cut back on safety" in the run-up to the catastrophe.
The accident happened when a freight train carrying liquid gas derailed and exploded as it was passing through the city's train station on June 29, 2009, sending a ball of fire through the adjoining district. Investigators believe the freight train derailed because of a broken axle. The explosion forced over 1,000 people to leave their homes and the scene of the blast was declared a national disaster area until the end of 2009. The accident was Italy's worst rail disaster since two trains collided near Bologna in April 1978, killing 48 people. Meanwhile, family members of victims were deflated by the government's decision not to add itself as an injured party in the case.
"It's a real blow," said Daniela Rombi, who heads a group for friends and family of the Viareggio victims.
"Everyone says they're with us, but enough games".