A man reportedly sucked into the running engine of a plane in Amsterdam was an employee who is believed to have climbed in deliberately, Dutch police said.
A man who died at an Amsterdam airport is believed to have deliberately climbed into the plane’s engine, Dutch police have revealed.
The person, identified as a male employee, is said to have climbed into the jet engine of a KLM Cityhopper Embraer E190 as it prepared to depart from Schiphol Airport. Passengers and crew reportedly witnessed the tragic death before emergency services arrived on the scene.
The incident happened when the KLM aircraft was being pushed back from its base in preparation for its departure to Denmark. Witnesses said there was a “hellish sound” as the person was sucked into the jet turbine. In a conversation with the Telegraaf, someone said: “Many people saw it happen.”
The Royal Military Police, which is leading the investigation, said: “The deceased man has been identified as an employee of a company operating at the airport. The investigation revealed that he deliberately climbed into the motorcycle, which indicates a suicide. Out of respect for the victim and their loved ones, no further statements will be made.”
Images from the scene showed the KLM plane surrounded by fire trucks and ambulances as emergency services rushed to the runway.
The plane, which can carry up to 104 passengers, was scheduled to depart for Billund in Denmark at 2:25 p.m. The crew had just finished giving safety instructions to the passengers on board, but after the horrific incident, more than 80 people were removed from the plane and interviewed by military police.
Some passengers, who saw the moment happen, were considered “important witnesses”, according to AD. A police spokesperson told the channel: “They may be able to help us with the investigation.” Psychological support was offered to those who may have been traumatized by what they had seen.
A replacement flight was arranged to the Danish city of Billund and departed last night at around 9.30pm. A spokesman said it had been flown by a different crew as the tragic incident had a “major impact” on previous personnel. In a statement, KLM said: “We are currently caring for the passengers and employees who witnessed the incident at Schiphol. The circumstances are currently being investigated.”
Pilots’ union VNV says: “Our first concern and thoughts go out to those involved and their relatives. We offer our cooperation and expertise in investigating the exact cause.”
Airline KLM said in an earlier statement yesterday: “Today a terrible incident occurred at Schiphol in which a person ended up in a running aircraft engine. Unfortunately, the person passed away. We welcome passengers and employees who saw this at Schiphol. The circumstances are currently under investigation. For further information, we refer you to the Royal Military Police as soon as it becomes available.”
On the day of the incident, a statement from Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) read: “Today a terrible incident took place where a person ended up in an aircraft engine. Our thoughts go out to the relatives and we care for the passengers and colleagues who witnessed this. The Royal Military Police is currently conducting an investigation.
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