On Saturday afternoon, a Frecce Tricolori -Italy’s aerobatic team- Aermacchi MB.339 met a tragic fate shortly after takeoff from Caselle airport. A piece detached from the plane, hitting a car and causing the demise of five-year-old Laura Origliasso, and severely injuring her brother.
A video acquired by Repubblica depicts the pilot of the MB.339 plane parachuting to safety before the devastating impact. Hospitalized with burns at Giovanni Bosco, the pilot survived, averting a crash in the nearby town of San Francesco al Campo.
The family in the car was not so fortunate. Suffering from severe burns, the young girl lost her life instantly, while her 12-year-old brother fights for his life at Regina Margherita children’s hospital. Both parents also sustained injuries, receiving treatment at separate facilities in the region.
The Italian Ministry of Defense released a statement confirming an unfortunate air accident involving the Frecce Tricolori air squadron in Turin.
The statement revealed that the squadron, under the leadership of Air Squadron General Luca Goretti, is in a state of deep shock and mourning. The details surrounding the incident remain unclear at this juncture, with investigations underway to determine the exact cause. One prevailing theory suggests that the aircraft, piloted by Major Oscar Del Do’, might have encountered a bird strike shortly after takeoff, causing it to crash.
The aircraft was en route to Vercelli for a scheduled air show performance when it plummeted near the Turin Caselle airport. In an attempt to minimize the impact, Major Del Do’ managed to execute an ejection maneuver just moments before the crash.
Regrettably, the aircraft’s crash igniting a fire that engulfed a passing vehicle carrying four passengers. The incident led to the tragic death of a young girl and left three others gravely injured.
Reactions from the Political Sphere
The tragedy has elicited reactions from political figures, including Defense Minister Guido Crosetto and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini, who expressed shock and deep condolences, respectively. Notable figures have visited the site to pay their respects and oversee the ongoing investigations.
