MILAN, Italy (April 18, 2002)—At least four people were reported dead and dozens injured after a small plane hit the Pirelli Tower, Italy´s tallest skyscraper and former home of Pirelli S.p.A., according to a CNN report.
The collision carved a huge hole in the side of the 32-story structure that now houses government offices.
“We have nothing really close to it,” a Pirelli spokesman said of the structure, which used to house employees of the Italian tire company. “We weren't affected at all.”
CNN reported that Interior Minister Claudio Scajola said the crash appeared to be an accident, and an Italian law enforcement official said there was no evidence of any link to terrorism. In Washington, sources told CNN that there was no intelligence concerning a terrorist attack.
Thirty to 40 people from the 415-feet-high tower in the center of Milan were taken to hospital with injuries, mostly broken arms and legs, CNN said.
Witnesses said they saw flames coming from the plane before it hit the building, according to Italian radio.
Several people were on the 25th floor at the time of the crash, but all the floors above were being renovated and were empty, Swiss radio said. Authorities said most of the workers had left the building prior to the crash.