Girl, 5, killed after Italian military jet crash
During an aerobatic demonstration in Turin, an Italian military jet tragically crashed, resulting in the unfortunate death of a five-year-old girl inside a car on the ground.
Video footage captured the moment the pilot, who survived the crash, initiated his ejection just moments before impact, followed by a significant fireball near Turin Airport.
The girl’s nine-year-old brother sustained severe injuries, while their parents suffered burns in the incident. Italy’s Deputy Prime Minister, Matteo Salvini, expressed deep sorrow, describing the crash as a “devastating tragedy.”
Recordings from the vicinity of Turin’s primary airport depict nine aircraft ascending in two closely-knit formations, with one of them breaking away and descending rapidly from the sky.
As the plane plummeted to the ground, thick black smoke billowed, while the pilot could be observed using his parachute after successfully ejecting from the aircraft.
According to local Italian media, an initial investigation suggests the aircraft may have collided with a flock of birds, possibly causing an animal to enter the engine and leading to engine failure.
The jet was part of the Frecce Tricolori demonstration team which had been due to take part in an event marking 100 years of the Italian Air Force on Sunday.
This event has now been canceled, according to Reuters.
Defence Minister Guido Crosetto added: “The ministry expresses its condolences to the family members.
He added officials “had made available every facility and skill for the handling of the emergency and in support of any people involved”.
Writing on social media, Mr. Salvini confirmed the pilot “jumped out with his parachute at the last moment”.
“A frightening tragedy,” he added. “A prayer and a hug of touching closeness.”
