Tragic Incident at Milan Airport as Man Dies After Being Pulled Into Jet Engine
A devastating accident occurred at Milan Bergamo Airport in northern Italy on Tuesday morning, when a man was fatally injured after being pulled into the engine of a passenger aircraft preparing for departure. The tragic event has shocked aviation authorities and prompted an immediate investigation into the circumstances that allowed the individual to access a secure area of the airport.
The aircraft, operated by Spanish budget airline Volotea, was scheduled to fly from Milan Bergamo to Asturias, a region in northwestern Spain. According to early reports, the plane had just begun taxiing away from the terminal when the incident happened.
Victim Not Connected to Airline or Flight
According to local news sources, including Corriere della Sera, the victim was not a passenger or an airline employee. Witnesses reported that the individual somehow accessed the runway without authorization and ran close to the moving aircraft. As the engines were running during the pre-departure phase, the powerful suction caused by the turbines tragically pulled the man in.
Volotea later confirmed that the person involved was not affiliated with the airline or onboard the flight. Though the company did not provide specific details about the victim, it stated that all 154 passengers and six crew members on board were unharmed. As a precautionary measure, those on the aircraft were offered psychological support due to the traumatic nature of the event.
Airport officials and emergency personnel responded quickly, but the man was pronounced dead at the scene. The incident forced the temporary suspension of operations at Milan Bergamo, causing some delays during the busy morning travel period.
Investigation Launched Into Security Breach
Italian aviation authorities, along with local law enforcement, have opened an investigation to determine how the individual gained access to a restricted area of the airport. It remains unclear whether the breach was due to a lapse in security protocols or other contributing factors.
Authorities are currently reviewing surveillance footage and interviewing staff in an effort to reconstruct the sequence of events. So far, officials have not released the identity of the victim, pending family notification.
Flight operations resumed later that day, around midday local time, after a temporary shutdown allowed investigators to assess the scene and ensure the runway was safe for continued use.
While rare, such accidents underline the critical importance of strict perimeter security at commercial airports. The incident raises questions about how unauthorized individuals can bypass security and the potential risks posed to both passengers and airline personnel.
In a brief statement, Milan Bergamo Airport expressed deep condolences for the loss of life and confirmed full cooperation with the investigation. Volotea also released a statement offering support to those affected and said they are working with Italian authorities to understand what occurred.
As the investigation continues, the focus remains on determining how the man entered a restricted area and whether systemic failures allowed the tragedy to unfold. For now, the aviation community is left mourning a fatal incident that underscores the need for vigilance and enhanced security in high-risk areas of airport infrastructure.
