One of the ATR 72 turboprops operating on behalf of Italian flag-carrier Alitalia has been badly damaged in an accident at Rome Fiumicino.
While the circumstances of the accident have yet to become clear, the turboprop sustained damage to its starboard propeller blades and the underside of its fuselage.
It came to rest on grass, listing to the right, apparently with its landing-gear collapsed.
Images from the scene indicate that the aircraft bears registration YR-ATS, one of a pair of Romanian-registered ATR 72s in the carrier's fleet. The turboprops are sourced from Romanian regional airline Carpatair.
NOTAM information for the airport states that runway 16L/34R has been closed "due to aircraft crash", without further details. Meteorological data indicates that strong crosswinds, with gusts in excess of 30kt, have been present during the day.
One local report suggests there were 50 occupants on board the twin-engined aircraft, and that 16 have been injured, two of them seriously.
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
