Milan, Italy -In a heartbreaking and deeply disturbing incident, a man lost his life in a horrific accident at Milan’s Bergamo Orio al Serio Airport on Tuesday morning, sending shockwaves through the aviation world and raising urgent questions about airside security and mental health awareness.

At approximately 10:20 AM local time, operations came to a sudden halt after a man breached restricted airport grounds and approached a taxiing Airbus A319 aircraft operated by Spanish budget airline Volotea. In footage too graphic to share, the man is seen first attempting to climb the aircraft’s right-hand engine (Engine No. 2), then darting toward the nose landing gear, before fatally running into the left-hand engine (Engine No. 1) while it was still in operation.

The man, believed to be in his mid-30s and unaffiliated with the airline or airport staff, was killed instantly. Authorities have not yet released his name, and investigations into his motives and how he managed to access the highly secure area are still underway.

Eyewitnesses described the scene as “surreal and traumatizing,” with ground staff and passengers in shock. All flight operations at the airport were temporarily suspended as emergency crews responded to the tragedy and authorities launched a full investigation.

“This is an unimaginable tragedy,” said an airport spokesperson. “Our deepest condolences go out to the individual’s family and to all those who witnessed this devastating event.”

While officials have not yet confirmed whether the incident was a deliberate act of self-harm or the result of a mental health crisis, the event has reignited concerns over how unauthorized individuals can access active taxiways, and whether more comprehensive mental health support and airport security measures are urgently needed.

The aircraft involved has been taken out of service, and passengers were rebooked on alternate flights.

🙏 May his soul rest in peace.