Demolition experts to blow up remains of Morandi bridge in Genoa, Italy

Demolition experts are set to blow up what remains of the Morandi bridge in the Italian city of Genoa nearly a year after the structure collapsed.

Thousands of people are being evacuated ahead of explosions to bring down two large towers consisting of about 4,500 tonnes of concrete and steel.

Water tanks have been placed around the towers to prevent the spread of dust.

Forty-three people were killed when part of the bridge, and cars travelling along it, fell 45m last August.

It prompted a fierce debate about the safety of Italy’s infrastructure.