An Italian Air Force aerobatics squadron jet crashed during training near the northern city of Turin on Saturday (16), killing a 5-year-old child and leaving his 9-year-old brother with serious burns. The car the children were in was hit by debris from the aircraft.
The MB-339 jet exploded moments after takeoff, around noon (local time), authorities said, according to the Italian Fire Department.
The pilot, who survived, could be seen ejecting with his parachute open moments before the jet hit the ground.
He is currently being treated for burns at Giovanni Bosco Hospital in Turin, officials added.
The Frecce Tricolori aerobatic jets, part of the Italian Air Force, were practicing a formation before the celebrations of the corporation’s 100th anniversary, which will take place this Sunday (17).
The planes had just taken off from Caselle airport in Turin when one of the jets began to lose altitude, as can be seen in several videos shared on social media.
The accident happened within the airport perimeter.
Italian media reported that the jets struck some birds shortly after takeoff, according to CNN affiliate Sky24.
The car carrying the 5-year-old child and her family was traveling along a secondary road parallel to the airport, according to local media reports.
His brother survived and is now being treated for serious burns at the Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital in Turin, the hospital confirmed. His parents would also have suffered burns.
The Air Force said it was “dismayed and surprised” by the jet crash, according to a statement made by the Italian Air Force Chief of Staff and Air Squadron General Luca Goretti.
Source: CNN Brasil
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