Tragedy in the Skies: Two Italian Air Force Pilots Perish in Collision Near Rome



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Tragedy in the Skies: Two Italian Air Force Pilots Perish in Collision Near Rome

Two Italian Air Force Siai Marchetti 208 aircrafts collided near Guidonia Montecelio, a suburb near Rome. The incident occurred during a training mission that involved a total of four ultralight aircrafts.

Collision Details

The two aircrafts touched each other during the exercise, causing one to lose a wing and both to crash.

One of the aircraft crashed between buildings on Via della Longarina, near a McDonald's, while the other managed to make a forced landing on Via delle Margherite, but not before crashing into a car. The pilot of the latter aircraft was still alive and called for help, but the aircraft eventually exploded, causing neighbors to evacuate two buildings.

Sadly, both pilots died in the crash.

Investigations Underway

An investigation will be conducted by the prosecutor's office and the aviation inspection authority to determine the cause of the crash of a military aircraft.

Giorgia Meloni, Italy's newly elected Prime Minister, expressed her condolences to the families and colleagues of the 60th Wing and the entire Air Force corps in a statement, saying, "The news of the death of the two air force pilots in the plane crash in Guidonia fills us with sadness.

On behalf of the Government, I express my deepest condolences and my closeness to the families, colleagues of the 60th Wing and the entire Air Force corps. Our prayers go out to them."

Eyewitness Account

A resident named Simone, who witnessed the crash, said, "I saw them crash before my eyes.

There were four planes. One lost its wing behind and started spinning on itself until it crashed and caught fire. It seemed they were doing formation tests." Simone added, "It was over my head and I heard the engine stalling after a bang."

Response and Recovery

Hundreds of firefighters and military personnel rushed to the scene of the crash to assess the damage and provide support.

Rescue teams have been pictured at the scene, working to recover the wreckage and provide assistance to those affected. The incident has left the nation in mourning for the two pilots who lost their lives in the tragedy.

Italian