The Italian Fire Brigade has reported that an MB-339 airplane exploded shortly after its midday takeoff. The pilot, who managed to eject and deploy his parachute prior to the crash, survived the incident. Presently, the pilot is undergoing burn treatment at the Giovanni Bosco Hospital in Turin, as confirmed by official sources.
The incident occurred during a practice session of the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic jets, in preparation for the forthcoming celebration of the Italian Air Force’s 100th anniversary, set for this Sunday. Multiple videos shared on social media reveal one of the aircraft losing altitude shortly after it departed from Turin’s Caselle airport.
CNN affiliate Sky24 reported that Italian media have stated a flock of birds were hit by jets shortly after takeoff.
Reports from local press indicate that the family’s car, which was carrying a five-year-old child, was travelling on a countryside road next to the airport.
It has been confirmed by the Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital in Turin that the child’s sibling survived the accident. The child is currently at the hospital receiving treatment for severe burns.
There were also reports of the parents receiving burn injuries in the incident.
A statement was published by Italian Air Force Chief of Staff and Air Squadron General Luca Goretti, who expressed that the Italian Air Force was both “dismayed and astonished” by the crash incident.
Not long after initiating take-off, the Pony 4 aircraft, piloted by Major Oscar Del Do, plunged and wrecked, the announcement confirmed. The specific cause of the mishap remains unresolved, although the Italian Air Force believes it could be due to a bird strike at the start of the takeoff, based on their conjecture.
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