Italian Air Force plane crashes during training, hits family car, 5-year-old girl dies

by Heo Midam

Published 18 Sep.2023 19:11(KST)

Italian Defense Minister "Expresses Condolences"

An Italian Air Force jet crashed during a flight training exercise. Fortunately, the pilot ejected just before the crash, but the aircraft struck a vehicle on a nearby road, resulting in the death of a 5-year-old girl.

On the 17th (local time), US media outlet CNN and others reported that a training aircraft practicing for an airshow commemorating the 100th anniversary of the Italian Air Force crashed near Turin Airport.

According to the Italian Air Force, the training aircraft lost altitude and crashed shortly after taking off around noon the previous day. The exact cause of the accident has not been determined, but the Air Force suspects the crash occurred due to a bird strike during the initial phase of takeoff.

On the 16th (local time), an Italian Air Force jet crashed during a flight training exercise. [Image source=X (formerly Twitter)]

Video footage of the accident scene spread through social media platforms. The video shows several training aircraft taking off when one suddenly crashes, producing a loud noise and flames.

The pilot safely deployed his parachute before the jet caught fire. However, debris from the jet fell onto a car driving on a nearby road, resulting in the death of a 5-year-old girl in the vehicle and severe burns to a 9-year-old boy. The children’s parents also sustained burns.

Luca Goretti, Chief of Staff of the Air Force, expressed that he was "shocked" by the crash. Additionally, Guido Crosetto, Italy’s Minister of Defense, extended his condolences to the bereaved families and stated, "We will mobilize all resources to respond to the accident and support those involved."

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni mourned the child’s death on X (formerly Twitter), saying, "I hope the brother and parents of the injured girl recover quickly from this tragedy."