On Monday morning, a dramatic incident unfolded in Milan’s CityLife district as the giant “Generali” sign perched atop the insurer’s landmark skyscraper partially collapsed. The sign, a familiar sight crowning the 44-storey Hadid Tower, was left precariously hanging at a height of 170 meters, sparking immediate concern for public safety. The Hadid Tower, designed by the late Zaha Hadid and completed in 2017, is one of three iconic skyscrapers that define the CityLife redevelopment project, a symbol of modern Milan.
The collapse was first detected around 6:30 a.m., prompting a swift response from emergency services. Firefighters raced to the scene, quickly cordoning off the area around the tower and working alongside Generali personnel to secure the sign and prevent it from falling to the ground. The surrounding CityLife area, including the busy Piazza Tre Torri metro station and the CityLife Shopping District, was evacuated and closed to the public as a precaution.
No Injuries Reported, Staff Shift to Remote Work:
Despite the dramatic nature of the collapse, there were no injuries reported. Generali, Italy’s largest insurance group, confirmed that all its headquarters staff were instructed to remain at home and work remotely until the situation was fully under control. The company emphasized that the safety of employees and the public was its top priority, and that all necessary measures had been taken to secure the site.
Authorities acted decisively to make the CityLife district “totally safe.” The area remained off-limits to the public throughout the day, with emergency personnel maintaining a visible presence. The swift evacuation of the shopping district and closure of the metro station minimized risk, and officials reassured residents and commuters that the incident was being managed with the utmost caution.
Investigation Launched into Cause of Collapse:
As the immediate risk was contained, attention turned to understanding what caused the partial collapse of the 15-meter-high sign. Early reports suggest that the steel rods supporting the sign may have failed, but a full technical investigation is underway to determine the exact sequence of events. Generali released a statement confirming that the causes of the incident “are still being assessed,” and pledged to provide updates as more information becomes available.
The Hadid Tower, also known as the “Storto” or “Twisted” Tower due to its distinctive architecture, has been a focal point of Milan’s skyline since its completion. The collapse of such a prominent feature has raised questions about maintenance protocols and the structural integrity of large rooftop installations. Experts are expected to examine not only the sign’s supports but also the impact of recent weather conditions and any potential design flaws.
CityLife District Returns to Normal as Safety Restored:
By late afternoon, Generali announced that the CityLife area had been “fully secured,” and that the collapsed sign had been stabilized without any damage to people or surrounding buildings. The insurance group praised the prompt action of firefighters and emergency responders, crediting their efforts with preventing a more serious incident.
The CityLife Shopping District and the M5 metro stop at Piazza Tre Torri remained closed until authorities were confident that all risks had been eliminated. Once safety was assured, the area was gradually reopened to the public, and Generali staff were informed they could return to their offices in due course.
The incident has underscored the importance of rigorous safety checks and the ongoing maintenance of high-rise structures, especially in densely populated urban centers. As Milan recovers from the shock of the collapse, city officials and Generali management are committed to ensuring that similar incidents are prevented in the future. The investigation into the exact cause of the collapse continues, with findings expected to inform future safety standards for rooftop installations across the city.
