A 35-year-old man, Andrea Russo of Calcinate, died in a horrifying accident at Milan Bergamo Airport after being sucked into a jet engine just before takeoff. The incident occurred at 10:35 a.m. on a Volotea Airbus A319 preparing to fly to Oviedo, Spain, as stunned passengers and staff looked on.

Authorities say Russo drove a red Fiat 500 into a restricted airport zone, left it in internal parking, and then ran across the tarmac after forcing open a locked door. Despite attempts by security to stop him, he reached the active aircraft and was pulled into one of its engines, resulting in his immediate death.

Volotea confirmed the incident on social media, stating that while none of the 154 passengers or six crew members were harmed, a non-employee suffered fatal injuries. Russo had no known ties to the airport or airline, and was neither a passenger nor staff member.

Investigators suspect the act may have been intentional but have yet to determine a clear motive. Prosecutors reported that Russo’s car contained several items, though none provided a definitive explanation for his actions. The investigation remains ongoing.