A tragic incident occurred at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport on Wednesday when a person was killed after being sucked into a running plane engine. The victim, who has not yet been identified, was pulled into the engine of a KLM Cityhopper Embraer E190 aircraft bound for Billund, Denmark. The plane, scheduled to take off at 2:25 pm, was on the tarmac carrying up to 104 passengers at the time of the incident.
Passengers on board reported hearing a “hellish noise” as the person was drawn into the jet turbine, with witnesses describing smoke emerging from the engine. One witness told De Telegraaf, “Many people saw it happen.”
KLM confirmed the incident in a statement: “A fatal incident took place at Schiphol today during which a person ended up in a running aircraft engine. Sadly, this person has died. The flight concerned was KL1341 bound for Billund. We are currently taking care of the passengers and employees who witnessed the incident at Schiphol. The circumstances are currently under investigation. For further information – once available – we refer you to the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee.”
An airport employee mentioned seeing a person jump into the engine after the crew had finished giving safety instructions. However, a police spokesperson indicated that it was too early to determine whether the incident was an accident or suicide. Passengers who witnessed the traumatic event are being provided with special care and assistance.
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport, Europe’s third-largest, expressed its condolences: “A horrific incident occurred today where a person became trapped in the engine of an aircraft. Our thoughts are with the loved ones, and we care for the passengers and colleagues who witnessed this incident. The Royal Military Police are currently conducting an investigation.”
