Investigation is underway into an accident involving a Volotea Airbus A319 on a taxiway at Milan Bergamo airport which fatally injured a person on the ground.
The A319 had commenced taxiing for flight V73511 to Asturias in Spain on 8 July.
Volotea says a person who was “not on board” and “not affiliated with the company” has “sustained serious injuries involving the aircraft engine”.
It adds that the 154 passengers and six crew members on the aircraft are safe.
FlightGlobal understands from a source familiar with the situation that the event resulted in a fatality.
The accident occurred at around 10:35, as the aircraft pushed back and started moving along the taxiway which runs parallel to the airport’s main runway 10/28.
Bergamo airport operator SACBO states that a “problem…occurred on the taxiway” and flight operations were subsequently suspended until 12:00.
“The causes of the problem are currently being investigated by the authorities,” it adds.
Volotea states that it is “doing everything possible to support the affected passengers and crew”, including offering psychological support. It adds that it is “working in close co-ordination” with the Italian authorities.
Italian air accident investigation authority ANSV says the occurrence is being considered as a “security event”, but it could carry out a probe if prevention aspects emerge with regard to improving safety.
According to a NOTAM from Bergamo airport, aircraft stands 207, 208 and 209 – which are in the vicinity of the A319’s location at the time – have been closed owing to a damaged aircraft.
