Two Italian air force pilots were killed today in a mid-air collision with one of the planes that crashed into the city below before exploding in a fireball.
According to an Air Force press release, the two pilots were aboard the U-208 training aircraft participating in a training mission near Guidonia.
The cause of the crash about 20 miles northwest of Rome was not immediately known, but Italian authorities have launched an investigation.
One of the two planes crashed into a parked car in a street below in front of a residential building that appears to be showing footage of the aftermath of the crash.
La Repubblica reported that after the plane crashed, the pilot was still alive and started screaming for help. Bystanders tried to put out the flames with a fire extinguisher, but the engine blew up before they could, the newspaper reports.
Two Italian Air Force planes collided mid-air on Tuesday, killing both pilots, during exercises northwest of Rome, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said. In the photo: A burning car and one of the plane wreckages can be seen in the town of Guidonia
According to an Air Force press release, the two pilots were aboard the U-208 training aircraft participating in a training mission near Guidonia. In the photo: The second of the two wrecks can be seen in the middle of a field near the town
The second landed in an open field, showed photos of the crash site.
Two buildings were evacuated as a result of the accident and the two areas were cordoned off by rescuers who checked whether there were other passers-by in the street or field at the time of the two accidents.
Photos and videos have emerged from both crash sites. Footage from the first crash scene on the street shows a car on fire and firefighters working to put it out.
In a second flash, white foam – used by firefighters to put out flames – covered the street and sidewalks. The car was still on fire and smoke was rising into the air.
Footage from the field where the second plane crashed showed wreckage lying in the middle of a meadow. The tail of the plane was still visible, but the rest of the plane lay on the ground like a mangled wreckage.
“We are devastated to hear of the death of two Air Force pilots in a training accident near Guidonia,” Meloni said. The Prime Minister offered her condolences to the families of the pilots and members of the Air Force.
“My deepest condolences and sympathies to the families, colleagues of the 60th Wing and the entire Air Force. Our prayers go out to her,” she said.
The two pilots were Lieutenant Colonel Giuseppe Cipriano (47) and Major Marco Meneghello (46). Both were based at Guidonia Air Base.
Police at the scene where one of the planes crashed into a street told local reporters that Tivoli prosecutors had opened an investigation into the crash.
The Air Force Inspectorate also ordered an investigation.
One of the two planes crashed into a parked car in a street below what appeared to be a residential building (photo). Bystanders heard him screaming for help before the plane’s engine blew up, killing him
Photos and videos have emerged from both crash sites. Footage from the first crash scene on the street shows a burning car and firefighters working to put it out
Footage from the field where the second plane crashed showed wreckage lying in the middle of a meadow. The tail of the plane was still visible, but the rest of the plane lay on the ground like a mangled wreckage. In the photo: Firefighters are on the site on Tuesday
Italian newspaper Corriere Della Sera said four propeller planes took off from the Guidonia military airport on a training flight to the nearby countryside.
Why they were above the city remains to be clarified.
The two pilots of the other two planes will be questioned later today.
The U-208 is a light, single-engine aircraft that can carry up to four passengers plus the pilot and has a top speed of 177 miles per hour.
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Elizabeth Cabrera is an author and journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a talent for staying up-to-date on the latest news and trends, Elizabeth is dedicated to delivering informative and engaging articles that keep readers informed on the latest developments.
