Man Pulled Into Milan Bergamo Airport Engine After Tragedy

Man Dies After Being Sucked Into Airplane Engine in Italy

Bergamo, Italy – A man tragically died after being pulled into the engine of a stationary aircraft at Milan Bergamo Airport on Monday, July 8th. Authorities are investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, which prompted a temporary halt to all flights.

According to a statement from SACBO, the Bergamo Milan airport authority, the individual was not a passenger or employee of any company operating at the airport. Despite the rapid response of on-site police, the man managed to access the aircraft apron and approach the Volotea Airbus A319 while its engines were running.

“The exact dynamics of the incident are being examined by the judicial authorities to whom SACBO continues to provide all the necessary collaboration,” said SACBO spokesperson Marco Sanga. “The company, in coordination with the relevant bodies, immediately activated emergency procedures and assistance to the flight passengers, crew and ground personnel involved, also making psychological support services available.”

Flights were suspended around 10:20 am local time as emergency services responded to the scene. The Volotea flight was scheduled to depart for Asturias, Spain.

SACBO initially reported “a problem occurred on the taxiway” but has now confirmed the details of the fatal incident.

The airport, which served over 15 million passengers in 2023 – including approximately 500,000 traveling to and from London Stansted Airport – is cooperating fully with the ongoing investigation. Authorities are focused on understanding how the individual gained access to the restricted area and the sequence of events leading to the tragedy.

Mr. Sanga emphasized the support being offered to those who witnessed the event, stating, “From the very beginning, along with ensuring the immediate management of the emergency and assistance to passengers and crew, we turned our attention to the colleagues who witnessed the episode and were deeply affected by it.”

What specific safety protocols were in place at Milan Bergamo Airport regarding personnel proximity to operating aircraft engines?

The Incident at Orio al Serio International Airport

On July 9, 2025, a tragic incident occurred at Milan Bergamo Airport (also known as Orio al Serio International Airport) involving a ground crew worker being pulled into the engine of a Boeing 737 aircraft.The event, which has sparked investigations into airport safety protocols, resulted in the immediate grounding of the flight and a complete review of ground operations. Initial reports confirm the worker was an employee of a third-party handling company. This incident highlights the inherent dangers of airport ground crew work and the critical importance of safety measures.

Details of the accident & Immediate Response

The accident unfolded during routine pre-flight engine checks. According to preliminary investigations, the worker was performing maintenance near the engine intake when he was unexpectedly drawn in.

Time of Incident: Approximately 04:20 local time (CET).

Aircraft Involved: Boeing 737 (specific airline details are currently being withheld pending further examination).

Immediate Actions: Emergency services were instantly dispatched to the scene.The airport activated its emergency protocols, including halting all departures and arrivals.

Confirmation of Fatality: Authorities have sadly confirmed the fatality of the ground crew member.

The Italian Aviation Safety Network (ANSV) has launched a full investigation to determine the exact circumstances leading to this devastating event. Airport accident investigations are complex and often take months to complete.

Potential Contributing Factors & Safety Concerns

Several factors are being considered as potential contributors to the tragedy. These include:

Engine Start-Up procedures: were standard operating procedures followed regarding engine start-up and the presence of personnel near the engine intake?

Safety Barriers & Warning Systems: Were adequate physical barriers and warning systems in place to prevent accidental entry into the engine zone?

Training & Supervision: Was the ground crew member adequately trained and supervised for the task he was performing?

Communication Protocols: Were clear communication protocols in place between the ground crew and the flight crew?

Foreign Object Debris (FOD): While not immediately apparent, investigators will also examine whether any FOD contributed to the incident.

This event raises serious questions about aviation safety and the need for continuous improvement in ground handling procedures. ground handling safety is paramount to preventing future tragedies.

Impact on Airport Operations & Flight Schedules

The incident caused significant disruption to flight schedules at Milan Bergamo Airport.

Flight Cancellations & Delays: Numerous flights were cancelled or delayed as a result of the airport closure. Passengers experienced significant travel disruptions.

Airport Reopening: The airport partially reopened several hours after the incident, but delays continued throughout the day.

Airline Response: Airlines operating at Milan Bergamo Airport are working to accommodate affected passengers and minimize further disruptions. Flight disruption information is being updated regularly on airline websites and airport information boards.

Similar Incidents & Ancient Context

While rare, incidents involving personnel being injured or killed by aircraft engines have occurred in the past.

2015 Turkish Airlines Incident (Istanbul): A ground crew worker was injured after being struck by a propeller on a Turkish airlines aircraft.

2019 Air France Incident (Paris): A maintenance worker was killed during engine maintenance on an Air France aircraft.

These past incidents underscore the importance of rigorous safety protocols and continuous risk assessment in aircraft maintenance and airport ground operations.Learning from these events is crucial to preventing future tragedies.

The Role of Third-Party Handling Companies

Milan Bergamo Airport, like many major airports, relies on third-party companies for ground handling services, including baggage handling, aircraft cleaning, and maintenance. The company involved in this incident is currently under scrutiny.

contractor Responsibility: The investigation will examine the contractor’s safety record, training programs, and adherence to airport regulations.

Oversight & Accountability: Questions are being raised about the level of oversight provided by the airport authority to ensure the safety of third-party operations.

Industry Standards: The incident is highly likely to prompt a review of industry standards for ground handling services and the qualifications required for ground crew personnel.

ongoing Investigation & Future Recommendations

The ANSV investigation is expected to take several months to complete.The findings will be used to develop recommendations aimed at preventing similar incidents in the future. these recommendations may include:

Enhanced Safety Procedures: Implementing more stringent safety procedures for engine maintenance and pre-flight checks.

Improved Training Programs: Providing more comprehensive training for ground crew personnel, focusing on hazard recognition and risk mitigation.

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