Milan Bergamo Airport: Man 'sucked into plane engine' dies

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The mayor of Calcinate Lorena Boni has issued a heartfelt statement on the death of Andrea Russo.

He said: "I wish to express, on my own behalf, that of the municipal administration and of the entire citizenry, my deepest closeness and condolences to the family and to all those who loved this young boy.

"The news of what happened affects us deeply and reminds us how fragile we are and how important it is to cultivate a sense of community every day, so that no one ever feels alone when faced with their own difficulties.

"In this moment of great pain, the entire community gathers in silence, with respect and emotion, around the family and friends, hoping that each of them will find comfort and support in the affection of their loved ones."

Public Prosecutor Maurizio Romanelli said investigators found no evidence in Andrea Russo's car that might help explain his suicide.

"We are investigating any possible relationships with the airport or the world of airplanes.," he said.

"His car was full of all kinds of material, but we have not found anything that could provide any kind of explanation."

Andrea Russo was born on January 28, 1990 and had one brother. He was from Calcinate.

It is reported that as a young man he had sruggled with drug addiction and spent some time in a rehabilitation centre.

However, in recent times he had made a full recovery and was trying to rebuild his life - according to friends who spoke to Corriere della Sera

He recently moved to Mornico al Serio with a relative and was doing small maintenance jobs.

Volotea (V7) confirmed the aircraft involved was an Airbus A319ceo, registration EC-MTF, scheduled to depart for Asturias (OVD) in Spain. The aircraft had completed boarding and pushback when the incident occurred.

Reddit users, who claimed to be onboard, described the aftermath, including an emergency evacuation via the front right door and an immediate response by fire, medical, and law enforcement personnel.

People who witnessed the horrific incident said the man left his car in front of the airport, then entered the terminal builidng, eluded the controls and reached the runway, after opening an emergency door.

An eyewitness has described seeing a "tall, tanned and fit" man running towards the plane.

He told Italian daily Corriere Della Sera the man ran away from stewards before throwing himself "against the right engine of the plane".

The witness said: "At first he threw himself against the right engine of the plane, then he went around and threw himself or was sucked into the other engine."

A man ran onto the tarmac at Milan Bergamo Airport and was sucked into a plane's engine.

All flights were suspended at the airport at 10.20am local time (9.20am BST).

The incident happened on a taxiway and the plane was moving at the time.

Corriere della Sera, citing unnamed airport officials, reported the man had seemingly run onto the tarmac as the plane was taking off.

Local media has reported that part of an investigation is looking at whether the man took his own life.

Italy's civil aviation authority and police are leading the investigations.

A spokesperson for airline Volotea has said 154 passengers and six members of staff were on board the plane. 

In a post on X, Volotea said it is supporting the passengers and crew, providing them with psychological help.

Italy's civil aviation authority and police are leading the investigation into the incident.

Their main focus is said to be on how the man was able to gain access to the tarmac.

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Italian media has reported that officials are investigating what happened as a possible suicide.

The authorities are said to be scouring CCTV and examining how the man was able to get round airport security.

Multiple flights due to depart out of Milan Bergamo Airport have been cancelled. 

Flights listed as cancelled include: Ryanair FR 3530 to Prague, Ryanair FR 5148 to Zadar and Ryanair FR 2285 to Napoli.

Bergamo News has reported the police are guarding a car which appears to have been abandoned in the airport car park.

The same publication said it is not yet clear whether the car was used by the man who died.

Bergamo News, citing airport sources, said the man drove his car in the wrong direction into one of the airport's roundabouts, after which he reportedly abandoned the car, got out and started to run.

After entering the arrivals area, he reportedly went through a security door which led onto the runway and headed towards departing planes.

Italian news outlet 24Ore reports that the person who died was allegedly being pursued by police officers.

Publication, La Voce del Patriota, has reported the same.

In a statement shared on social media, Airline Volotea has said it is investigating reports of an incident involving flight V73511 BGY-OVD.

It said the incident happened on the ground after boarding was completed and ready for departure.

The airline added: "We're aware that one individual has sustained serious injuries involving the aircraft engine. More information soon."

Vanguard Intel Group, which describes itself as focused on geopolitics, diplomacy and breaking news, posted on X that it is not clear whether the man was a passenger or airport worker.

It said: "He is believed to have run onto the tarmac and into the path of an Airbus A319 Volotea aircraft bound to Asturias, Spain."

Other unconfirmed reports claimed the victim may have been neither an airport worker or passenger.

The plane involved was reportedly an Airbus A319 bound for Asturias.

The jet was completing a "pushback" manoeuvre to move away from a parking spot, according to Italian media reports.

Corriere della Sera reports that the person is said to have died after being sucked into the engine of the plane which was preparing for take-off at the time.

Airport operator SACBO has said flights at Milan Bergamo Airport were suspended from 10.20 am to midday local time due to "a problem" on the taxiway.

In another post on X it said the causes of the problem are  being investigated by the authorities and air traffic resumed at 12pm (11pm BST).

Italian daily, Corriere della Sera, reports that at this point it isn't clear whether the person was from outside the airport or already inside.

It reports the deceased is said to be a man of about 35-years-old. The Express has not been able to verify the report.

According to FlightRadar24, at least 19 flights have been cancelled after the incident occurred this morning. 

Video from the scene shows a group of people gathered around a plane on the tarmac. 

Airport operator SACBO has confirmed in a post on X that "an incident" happened on the taxiway earlier this morning.

It said an investigation by authorities is underway.

Welcome to our live coverage, where we'll bring you updates on the tragedy that has occurred at Milan's Bergamo Airport. 

While there is no official word about what happened yet, it is believed someone was killed after being sucked into a plane's engine on the tarmac. The airport has suspended flight operations since 10.20am.