Featured Image Credit: Twitter/Flight Emergency
Topics: Plane, World News
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A man has tragically died at an Italian airport after being 'sucked into a plane engine' before takeoff.
The unnamed 35-year-old victim reportedly made his way onto the runaway at the Milan Bergamo Airport in Italy this morning (July 8) when disaster struck.
According to local outlet Bergamo News, the man had arrived at the terminal in a car before appearing at the airport at around 10am local time.
It is alleged he managed to make his way through a restricted area and was on the tarmac of the runway when he was sucked into the engine by a plane turbofan.
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Authorities have since confirmed the man was not a passenger or employee that was expected to be onboard an aircraft when the incident happened.
The Volotea Airbus A319 that was headed to Asturias, Spain, was preparing for takeoff when the incident took place.
Sacbo, the company that manages the airport, said in a statement to the outlet that the 'incident occurred on the taxiway' and is now 'being investigated by police'.
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Airliner Voltea also posted in a statement on Twitter, writing: "We regret to confirm flight V73511 from BGY-OVD was involved in an incident at Milan-Bergamo Airport at 10:35h.
"One person not onboard and not affiliated with the company was seriously injured."
The airline also confirmed there were no further injuries, adding: "All 154 passengers and 6 crew are safe. A new flight is scheduled for 15:55."
It has also said it is supporting passengers and crew with psychological help after witnessing the horrific incident.
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The tragedy grounded all other flights at the Italian airport until midday while other jets were diverted to other airports while emergency services attended to the scene.
Flight tracking services show as many as 19 flights were grounded as a result.
Lombardy Airports Association also said on Twitter: "Traffic to and from #orio #Bgy is suspended due to a serious issue on the apron. Possible delays, diversions, and cancellations throughout the morning. Updates will follow."
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Police officers were joined by other personnel on the ground and specialists from the Bergamo Police Headquarters' Scientific Unit and firefighters to recover the victim's body.
The jet reportedly has engines that can spin at almost 15,000 rotations per minute, according to the Daily Mail, and was completing a 'pushback' manoeuvre in order to move away from parking spots at the time.
Italy's civil aviation authority and the police are now leading the investigation into the incident with their main focus said to be how the victim was able to get to the tarmac of the runaway, reports The Express.