A 35-year-old man tragically lost his life in a freak accident at Milan Bergamo Airport after being sucked into a jet engine moments before takeoff.

The incident occurred in front of stunned staff and passengers on a Volotea Airbus A319, which was preparing for a flight to Oviedo, Spain, around 10:35 a.m. local time. Authorities have launched an investigation into the horrifying event.

The victim, Andrea Russo from Calcinate, reportedly breached airport security by driving a red Fiat 500 into a restricted area. He abandoned the vehicle in the airport’s internal parking lot before making his way onto the tarmac.

Eyewitnesses stated Russo opened a secured door and sprinted across the runway. Despite efforts by airport security to stop him, he reached the active aircraft and was pulled into one of its turbofan engines.

Volotea Airlines confirmed the incident on social media, stating: “We regret to confirm flight V73511 from BGY-OVD was involved in an incident at Milan-Bergamo Airport at 10:35h. One person not onboard and not affiliated with the company was seriously injured.” All 154 passengers and six crew members were unharmed.

Russo was neither an airport employee nor a passenger. Authorities believe the act may have been intentional, though they are still working to determine the motive.

Public Prosecutor Maurizio Romanelli said Russo’s car contained various items, but none that offered a clear explanation. Investigators continue to explore any links he may have had to the airport or aviation.