Man Dies After Being Pulled into Airplane Engine While Fleeing Police

A tragic incident unfolded at Milan’s Orio al Serio Airport when a man was fatally drawn into an aircraft engine after breaching security protocols. The victim, identified as 35-year-old Andrea Russo from Calcinate County, Bergamo, was not a passenger or an airport employee on the day of the incident.

Despite these affiliations, Russo successfully maneuvered past security checks, making his way onto the tarmac. Airport authorities attempted to intervene after observing him trespassing, but he managed to reach a moving airplane, leading to a catastrophic outcome.

Details of the Incident

Prior to the accident, eyewitnesses indicated that Russo entered the airport by car, driving in the wrong direction. He later abandoned the vehicle and dashed across the runway after forcing his way through a security door, while being pursued by law enforcement. The security breach granted him access to the aircraft parking area, where he confronted the Volotea Airbus A319 that was executing its pushback maneuver, preparing for departure to Asturias, Spain.

Witness accounts described the harrowing moment as Russo approached the aircraft too closely, resulting in him being sucked into the engine while it was in motion.

⚠ A man was fatally pulled into a plane engine on the tarmac at Milan’s Orio al Serio Airport (Milano Bergamo).It is not clear whether the man – aged around 35 years old – was a passenger or airport staff member. He is believed to have run onto the tarmac and into the path of… pic.twitter.com/ZHm7j2tNle

— Vanguard Intel Group 🛡 (@vanguardintel) July 8, 2025

“Initially, he collided with the protective casings of the right engine, ” recounted one eyewitness.“Then, he moved around to the left engine and either jumped or was drawn into its propeller. We were on our way upstairs and witnessed everything, ” they added.

In response to this tragedy, Volotea released an official statement on X, expressing their condolences to Russo’s family. They ensured psychological support was made available to passengers and crew members who were on board the flight.

We regret to inform that flight V73511 BGY-OVD involved the unfortunate death of a person not affiliated with Volotea. We extend our condolences to the family. Psychological support was provided to passengers and crew, who have now landed on a rescheduled flight to OVD.

— Volotea (@volotea) July 8, 2025

The aftermath of the incident forced the diversion of several flights and even led to cancellations at the airport. Reports from The Sun and the Italian media outlet La Voce del Patriota speculate that Russo’s actions may have stemmed from a “premeditated suicide, ”a theory that is currently under investigation.

Law enforcement authorities revealed that Russo had previously battled drug addiction and had a history of seeking treatment at recovery centers.

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