Tragic Jet Crash in Italy Leaves Child Dead and Brother Severely Burned
A jet from the Italian Air Force’s aerobatics squadron crashed during a practice run near the northern city of Turin on Saturday, resulting in the death of a 5-year-old child. The child’s 9-year-old brother also suffered severe burns when their car was struck by burning debris from the crash.
The MB-339 jet exploded shortly after takeoff at around noon local time, according to officials from the Italian Fire Brigade. Remarkably, the pilot survived the crash and was seen ejecting with his parachute opening just moments before the jet hit the ground. He is currently receiving treatment for burns at Giovanni Bosco Hospital in Turin.
The Frecce Tricolori aerobatic jets, which are part of the Italian Air Force, were conducting a formation practice ahead of the 100-year celebrations of the Italian Air Force scheduled for Sunday. The tragedy occurred inside the perimeter of Turin’s Caselle airport, where the planes had just taken off from. Multiple videos circulating on social media captured the moment one of the jets began losing altitude.
Italian media reported that the jets may have hit a flock of birds immediately after takeoff, according to CNN affiliate Sky24. The 5-year-old child and her family were driving along a country road parallel to the airport when their car was struck by debris from the crash, local media reports stated. The child’s brother survived but is currently being treated for severe burns at Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital in Turin. The parents of the children also suffered burns, according to reports.
The Italian Air Force expressed deep sadness and shock over the incident. The Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Air Squadron General Luca Goretti said in a statement, “We are dismayed and astonished by this tragic accident.” The Pony 4 aircraft, piloted by Major Oscar Del Do’, lost altitude and crashed shortly after the formation had taken off, according to the statement. The exact cause of the accident has not been confirmed by the Italian Air Force, but they have suggested that a bird strike may have occurred during the initial phases of takeoff.
The airport, where the incident took place, temporarily closed following the crash. Investigations into the accident are currently ongoing.