Camilla Jessen
Authorities investigate how a 35-year-old man accessed the tarmac before fatal accident at Bergamo Airport.
On July 8, a 35-year-old man named Andrea Russo from Calcinate, Lombardy, died at Milan Bergamo Airport after being pulled into a plane’s engine just before takeoff.
According to Italian media, Russo was not a passenger or airport worker. He had driven the wrong way down an airport access road.
After abandoning his car, he entered the terminal building, forced open a secure door, and ran onto the tarmac.
Authorities say he approached a Volotea Airbus A319, which was preparing to depart for Asturias, Spain. Despite attempts by airport officers to stop him, he reached the aircraft and was sucked into the engine while it was running on the taxiway.
Eyewitness: “We Saw Everything”
A witness told Metro that Russo initially ran into the protective casings around the aircraft’s right engine before circling to the other side:
“Then he went around and either threw himself or was sucked into the propeller of the left engine. We were trying to go up the stairs and we saw everything.”
Officials believe the impact was instantaneous. The exact motive behind his actions remains unclear.
Airport and Airline Respond
SACBO, the company operating Milan Bergamo Airport, released a statement confirming that the incident is under police investigation.
Giovanni Sanga, President of SACBO, expressed sorrow:
“Today’s tragic event has deeply shaken the entire airport community. First and foremost, I extend my personal condolences and those of the company to the victim’s family. Our thoughts are with them in this unimaginable moment.”
He added that support is being offered not only to passengers and crew, but also to airport staff who witnessed the traumatic event.
The airline involved also issued a statement:
“A person, who was not a passenger or airport personnel, trespassed onto the runway while the aircraft was preparing for takeoff. Sadly, the individual was fatally injured by the engine.”
They added their thanks to crew and passengers for their calm response during a very difficult moment.
Flights Temporarily Suspended
As emergency services responded, air traffic at Milan Bergamo Airport was halted.
The Lombardy Airports Association confirmed delays and cancellations across the morning, with flights resuming around midday.
