A five-year-old girl lost her life after an Italian military jet crashed into her family's car during a training exercise in Turin.
The horrific incident, which unfolded this past Saturday (September 16), has also left her nine-year-old brother in serious condition, The Sun reports.
Shocking video has since surfaced online showing the moments leading up to the tragedy. The aircraft can be seen flying significantly lower than the rest of the fleet before it crash-lands on the runway.
The pilot is captured ejecting from the cabin just moments before the jet bursts into flames upon impact with the ground.
According to Italian news agency ANSA, the children's parents and the pilot sustained injuries but none are in a life-threatening condition. However, all the survivors of the crash have suffered burns and were promptly transported to nearby hospitals for medical treatment.
The cause of the catastrophic incident is still under investigation. Initial reports from local media outlets suggest that the aircraft fell during its takeoff. Military sources are considering several hypotheses for the tragic failure. One theory suggests that a flock of birds could have interfered with the jet during takeoff, thereby causing the crash.
Engine failure is also among the speculated causes, as reported by ANSA.
The aircraft was a part of the renowned Frecce Tricolori patrol, which was scheduled to perform at 5:00PM at the Vercelli Aeroclub as part of a significant air show. Following the tragic accident near Turin's Caselle Airport, organizers made the immediate decision to cancel the event, which was expected to host around 4,000 guests.
In an official statement, Alberto Bannino, the president of the Vercelli Aeroclub, expressed his deepest condolences, stating: "On behalf of the entire organization and the Aeroclub board, expresses condolences and closeness to the family involved and participates in mourning for the victims."
The Frecce Tricolori were also slated to be one of the main attractions at the Collegno aero club this Sunday to celebrate the air force's centenary. However, that event has also been canceled as a mark of respect and condolence to the grieving family.
In 1988, a devastating incident occurred at the Ramstein Air Base in Germany when three planes from the Frecce Tricolori aerobatic team collided mid-air during an air show. The catastrophic event, witnessed by an estimated crowd of 300,000 attendees, resulted in the deaths of the three pilots and 67 spectators on the ground. Additionally, hundreds of people sustained injuries in the tragic mishap.
Our thoughts go out to everybody impacted by this tragedy.
