THE person killed at an airport in Amsterdam on Wednesday has been identified as a male airline employee, say Dutch police.
He is believed to have intentionally climbed into the jet engine before chilling plumes of smoke were seen pouring from the plane as his body was sucked into the engine.
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Witnesses heard a “hellish noise” before being ordered off the packed passenger plane by military police at the Schiphol Airport.
The aircraft was moments away from taking off and had just completed the pushback procedure before being taxied to the runway, cops revealed.
Royal Netherlands Marechaussee force, who are running the investigation, said: “The deceased man has been identified as an employee of a company operating at the airport.
“The investigation has revealed that he intentionally climbed into the engine, indicating this is a case of suicide.
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“Out of respect for the victim and their loved ones, no further statements will be made.”
Witnesses told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf that they heard a “hellish noise” before watching plumes of smoke pour from the plane.
One said:Â “Many people saw it happen.”
The Cityhopper Embraer E190, carrying more than 80 passengers, was scheduled to take off for Billund in Denmark at 2.25pm on Wednesday.
An airport employee said the horrific incident happened as the plane was moved back on the tarmac in preparation for take-off.
The crew had just finished completing the routine safety instructions for those onboard.
Typically, the jet engines are surrounded by cones or a barrier so people don’t get too close to them.
Horror took place ‘during takeoff’
BYÂ Ellie Doughty, Foreign News Reporter
The tragic incident at Schiphol airport yesterday happened just as the plane was preparing to take off.
An airport employee said it happened during “pushback”, where the jet is moved away from its stand as it gears up to fly.
Passengers and crew were already on board and witnessed the graphic disaster.
The pushback procedure is usually done using special vehicles called pushback tractors or tugs.
Often the pilot will tell a worker on the tarmac – sometimes walking alongside the plane – to start the process.
Several Dutch outlets have said the victim could have been an airport worker involved in the pushback manoeuvre.
Over 80 people were removed from the plane and interviewed by military cops after the incident.
Some of them saw the moment itself – and were deemed “important witnesses”, Dutch outlet AD reported.
A police spokesperson told the outlet: “They may be able to help us with the investigation.”
Officials also provided psychological support for the possibly traumatised witnesses.
A replacement flight was arranged last night, taking off around 8.30pm and landing in the Danish city of Billund at around 9.30pm.
A spokesperson said it was flown by a replacement crew, however, as the tragic incident had a “major impact” on the earlier staff.
In a statement, KLM said: “We are currently taking care of the passengers and employees who witnessed the incident at Schiphol.”
They added: “The circumstances are currently under investigation”.
In a statement, the airport said: “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.”
The pilots union VNV added: “Our first concern and thoughts go out to those involved and their relatives.
“We offer our cooperation and expertise in the investigation into the exact cause.”
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is Europe’s third largest.
Almost 5.5 million passengers used the airport last month, according to its website.
In June last year, an airport worker was killed after he was sucked into a plane’s engine at San Antonio International Airport in Texas.
The death of David Renner, 27, was later ruled a suicide.
Airline worker Courtney Edwards, 34, was also tragically killed after being pulled into a jet engine in December 2022.
The gruesome incident “shook the entire plane” at Montgomery Regional Airport, Alabama, on New Year’s Eve.
You’re Not Alone
EVERY 90 minutes in the UK a life is lost to suicide
It doesn’t discriminate, touching the lives of people in every corner of society – from the homeless and unemployed to builders and doctors, reality stars and footballers.
It’s the biggest killer of people under the age of 35, more deadly than cancer and car crashes.
And men are three times more likely to take their own life than women.
Yet it’s rarely spoken of, a taboo that threatens to continue its deadly rampage unless we all stop and take notice, now.
That is why The Sun launched the You’re Not Alone campaign.
The aim is that by sharing practical advice, raising awareness and breaking down the barriers people face when talking about their mental health, we can all do our bit to help save lives.
Let’s all vow to ask for help when we need it, and listen out for others… You’re Not Alone.
If you, or anyone you know, needs help dealing with mental health problems, the following organisations provide support:
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