The MB-339 jet had exploded moments after takeoff at around noon local time, officials said, according to the Italian Fire Brigade. The Frecce Tricolori aerobatic jets, part of the Italian Air Force, were practicing a formation ahead of the 100-year celebrations of the Italian Air Force that are set to take place Sunday. Matteo Secci/APItalian media reported that the jets hit a flock of birds just after takeoff, according to CNN affiliate Sky24. The Italian Air Force said it was “dismayed and astonished” by the jet crash, according to a statement made by the Italian Chief of Staff of the Air Force and Air Squadron General Luca Goretti. The Italian Air Force has not confirmed the exact cause of the accident, but has hypothesized there was a bird strike during the very first phases of takeoff.

---

Persons: Tricolori, Matteo Secci, Regina Margherita Children’s, ”, Luca Goretti, Major Oscar Del Do Organizations: CNN, Air, Italian Fire Brigade, Bosco Hospital, Italian Air Force, Sky24, Regina Margherita Children’s Hospital, Staff, Air Force, Air Squadron Locations: Turin, Turin’s Caselle, Italian