Man Dies After Being Sucked Into Jet Engine at Milan Bergamo Airport

A tragic incident at Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) resulted in the death of a 35-year-old man who was pulled into the engine of an Airbus A319 aircraft while it was preparing for takeoff, prompting a temporary suspension of flight operations.

Details of the Tragic Incident

On Tuesday, July 8th, a man died after being sucked into a jet engine on the runway at Milan Bergamo Airport, also known as Orio al Serio Airport, in Italy. The incident occurred around 10:20 am local time as an Airbus A319 aircraft was taxiing for departure. Airport officials confirmed that the victim was neither a passenger nor an airport employee, raising questions about how he gained access to the restricted area.

Flight operations were immediately suspended following the accident, leading to the cancellation of nineteen flights and delays for numerous others. Flights were temporarily diverted to Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP) as authorities investigated the circumstances surrounding the man’s death. Sacbo, the company that manages Milan Bergamo Airport, released a statement confirming the incident and the subsequent resumption of operations at noon. However, details surrounding the events leading up to the tragedy remain scarce.

Preliminary reports suggest the man may have intentionally entered the path of the aircraft. Authorities are currently investigating the incident, including reviewing security footage and interviewing witnesses, to determine the exact sequence of events and establish the cause of death. The airline operating the aircraft has not yet been publicly identified.

Airport Security and Similar Incidents

The incident at Milan Bergamo Airport highlights the critical importance of security protocols on airport tarmacs. These areas are typically heavily restricted, with multiple layers of security designed to prevent unauthorized access. Fatal incidents involving aircraft engines are rare, but tragically, there have been similar occurrences in recent years.

In May of last year, an airport employee died at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport after climbing into a running jet engine, an event Dutch military police classified as a suicide. A few months prior, a man who bypassed security measures died after entering a jet engine at Salt Lake City International Airport. These incidents underscore the vulnerabilities that exist despite stringent security measures and the potential for desperate acts to occur.

The investigation at Milan Bergamo Airport will likely focus on identifying any security breaches and implementing measures to prevent similar tragedies in the future. This may involve reviewing access control procedures, increasing surveillance, and enhancing employee training. The incident serves as a somber reminder of the inherent risks associated with airport operations and the constant need for vigilance.

Key Takeaways

• A 35-year-old man died after being sucked into the engine of an Airbus A319 aircraft at Milan Bergamo Airport (BGY) on Tuesday, July 8th.
• The victim was not a passenger or airport employee, raising questions about how he accessed the restricted runway area.
• Flight operations were suspended for approximately two hours, leading to cancellations and delays for numerous flights.
• The incident highlights the importance of stringent security protocols on airport tarmacs and the potential for tragic accidents.
• Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the death, including the possibility of intentional actions, and will review security measures to prevent future incidents.