Man killed after being pulled into plane engine at Milan airport

All operations at Milan Bergamo Airport were temporarily halted following a tragic incident in which a man was sucked into the engine of a departing aircraft, resulting in his death. The event transpired on Tuesday morning as the Airbus A319, operated by the low-cost Spanish airline Volotea, was preparing to take off for Asturias, located in northern Spain. This has raised considerable concern regarding airport safety protocols.

Reports indicate that the man, whose identity has not yet been disclosed, managed to access the tarmac and was struck by the aircraft’s engine during its taxiing phase. While the specific circumstances surrounding his entry to the runway remain unclear, Italian media sources suggest the individual may not have been an airport employee, raising questions about security measures in place at the airport. First responders, including police and firefighters, were dispatched promptly to manage the situation and initiate an investigation.

Despite the shocking nature of the incident, all 154 passengers and six crew members aboard the flight were unharmed. Volotea Airlines confirmed that psychological support services were being offered to those affected by the experience. While the airline has not provided a detailed account of the event, they assured that all measures are being taken to investigate the circumstances leading to this tragic occurrence.

Milan Bergamo Airport confirmed the suspension of all flights in an official statement around 10:20 a.m. local time. The airport attributed the grounding of operations to “a problem that occurred on the taxiway” and also referred to “technical problems” resulting from the incident. Normal services resumed shortly after noon, although the operational interruption led to significant delays and the cancellation of at least eight departing flights. Arriving flights were redirected to alternative airports in the vicinity, including those in Bologna, Verona, and Milan Malpensa.

This incident highlights the pressing need for stringent safety protocols at airports, particularly concerning unauthorized access to secured areas. As investigations continue, authorities will be tasked with ensuring that similar incidents do not recur, thereby enhancing the safety and security of air travel. The implications of this event will likely lead to a broader assessment of airport security measures nationwide.