Plane Engine Kills Man Who Ran Onto Runway in Italy
ITALY – A man lost his life after being pulled into the engine of a plane preparing for takeoff at Bergamo Airport in the northern part of the country.
According to airport officials, the man was neither a passenger nor an airport employee. He reportedly forced his way into the airport and ran through an emergency exit onto the runway, heading straight toward the aircraft.
Security personnel tried to stop him but were unable to reach him in time. Reports from the Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera identified the man as a 35-year-old Italian citizen, although his name and motives have not been disclosed.
The aircraft involved was an Airbus A319 operated by the Spanish airline Volotea, scheduled to fly from Bergamo to Asturias, Spain. Volotea confirmed on social media that the incident occurred around 10:35 a.m. local time. They added that the individual involved was not affiliated with the flight or the airline. Sadly, the man did not survive.
All 154 passengers and six crew members on board were reported safe and unharmed. Volotea assured the public that they are providing emotional support to those affected and are working closely with Italian authorities.
“One person not onboard and not affiliated with the company was seriously injured. All 154 passengers and six crew are safe,” Volotea said. “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.”
As a result of the incident, flights at Bergamo Airport — the third busiest in Italy — were temporarily suspended but resumed by midday.
The event shocked many and raised serious concerns about airport security. Investigations are ongoing to determine how the man managed to breach multiple security barriers and reach the runway. Authorities are now reviewing safety procedures to help prevent similar incidents in the future.
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