BERGAMO, Italy, July 8: Flights were temporarily suspended at Bergamo-Orio al Serio Airport on Tuesday following a fatal runway incident involving a man who was sucked into a jet engine, according to Italian media reports.

The airport authority SACBO confirmed that operations were halted at 10:20 a.m. local time due to “a problem that occurred on the taxiway.” An investigation into the incident is currently underway.

Local media, including Corriere della Sera, reported that the man—who was neither an airport employee nor a passenger—bypassed security checks and ran toward a moving aircraft. Italy’s national news agency ANSA reported that the man sprinted across the tarmac and was fatally pulled into the engine of an Airbus A319, operated by budget airline Volotea. The flight was scheduled to depart for Asturias, Spain, and had just completed boarding when the incident occurred.

While the motive has not been officially confirmed, some reports suggest the man may have taken his own life.

In a statement posted on social media, Volotea acknowledged the incident, saying, “We’re investigating reports of an incident involving our flight V73511 BGY-OVD, which occurred on the ground after boarding was completed and ready for departure. We’re aware that one individual has sustained serious injuries involving the aircraft engine. More information soon.”

Bergamo-Orio al Serio Airport, Italy’s third-busiest, remained closed for nearly two hours following the incident. Authorities have launched a full investigation to determine the circumstances and possible security breaches that led to the tragedy.