Tragedy as man dies after being sucked into plane engine at airport

A tragic incident unfolded at Bergamo Airport in northern Italy on Tuesday when a man in his thirties was killed after being sucked into the engine of a plane preparing for takeoff.

According to a spokesperson for SACBO, the airport’s management company, the victim was neither a passenger nor an airport employee. He reportedly forced his way into the airport and accessed the runway through an emergency exit, evading airport security in the process.

Despite efforts by security personnel to intercept him, the man managed to reach the active runway, where he was fatally pulled into the engine of a taxiing aircraft. The horrifying event brought operations to a halt and prompted an immediate investigation.

Italy’s Corriere della Sera reports that the man stormed into the terminal before dashing onto the tarmac, targeting a plane that was moments away from takeoff. The motive behind his actions remains unknown.

Earlier in the day, Spanish airline Volotea wrote on social media that its flight from Bergamo to Asturias in Spain was involved in an “incident” at 10:35 am (0835 GMT).

“One person not onboard and not affiliated with the company was seriously injured. All 154 passengers and six crew are safe,” it said on X.

“We are doing everything possible to support the affected passengers and crew, providing them with psychological support, while working in close coordination with the Italian authorities.”

The plane was an Airbus A319, according to tracking website Flightradar24.

Flights were suspended at Bergamo Airport, Italy’s third largest by passenger volume, following the incident, but resumed at midday, according to SACBO.