BREAKING: Child Killed As Air Force Jet Explodes After Takeoff (DETAILS)

BREAKING: Child Killed As Air Force Jet Explodes After Takeoff (DETAILS)

A tragic incident unfolded near Turin, Italy, on Saturday as an MB-339 jet from the Italian Air Force’s aerobatics squadron crashed during a practice run. This devastating event claimed the life of a 5-year-old child and left her 9-year-old brother with severe burns when the car they were in was struck by burning debris from the ensuing fireball.

The jet exploded shortly after takeoff around noon local time, as reported by Italian Fire Brigade officials. The pilot, though surviving, ejected and deployed his parachute just moments before the jet impacted the ground.

The pilot, currently undergoing treatment for burns at Giovanni Bosco Hospital in Turin, showed remarkable presence of mind in the face of this catastrophe.

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The Frecce Tricolori aerobatic jets, belonging to the Italian Air Force, were engaged in formation practice ahead of the 100-year celebrations of the Italian Air Force scheduled for the following Sunday. The jets had recently departed from Turin’s Caselle airport when one began experiencing altitude loss, as seen in various videos circulated on social media.

The incident occurred within the airport perimeter, leading to a temporary closure of the facility, according to a statement by the airport.

Reports from Italian media suggest that the jets encountered a flock of birds shortly after takeoff, information relayed by CNN affiliate Sky24.

The car carrying the young children and their family was traveling along a country road parallel to the airport, local media sources have detailed.

The 9-year-old brother, who survived the crash, is receiving treatment for severe burns at the Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital in Turin, as confirmed by the hospital. Their parents have also sustained burn injuries.

The Italian Air Force, expressed deep sorrow and astonishment over the crash, per a statement from Italian Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Air Squadron General Luca Goretti. The statement specified that the Pony 4 aircraft, piloted by Major Oscar Del Do’, lost altitude and crashed shortly after takeoff as part of the formation.

Although the exact cause has not been confirmed, the Italian Air Force has suggested the possibility of a bird strike during the initial stages of takeoff.