Dutch police have identified the person killed at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on Wednesday as a male airline employee. The man is believed to have intentionally climbed into the jet engine before his body was tragically sucked in, causing chilling plumes of smoke to pour from the plane.
Witnesses at the scene reported hearing a “hellish noise” before military police ordered them off the packed passenger plane.
The aircraft was moments away from taking off and had just completed the pushback procedure when the incident occurred.
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The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, who are leading the investigation, confirmed the deceased as an airport employee, stating, “The investigation has revealed that he intentionally climbed into the engine, indicating this is a case of suicide. Out of respect for the victim and their loved ones, no further statements will be made.”
Dutch outlet De Telegraaf reported witnesses hearing a “hellish noise” and seeing smoke billow from the plane. One witness said, “Many people saw it happen.” The Cityhopper Embraer E190, carrying over 80 passengers, was scheduled to depart for Billund, Denmark, at 2:25 PM on Wednesday.
An airport employee described the horrific incident occurring as the plane was being moved on the tarmac in preparation for take-off, right after the crew had completed safety instructions for the passengers. Typically, jet engines are surrounded by cones or barriers to prevent such accidents.
More than 80 passengers were removed from the plane and interviewed by military police. Some of them, having witnessed the incident, were considered “important witnesses,” according to Dutch outlet AD. Police stated that these witnesses could assist in the investigation, and psychological support was provided to help them cope with the trauma.
A replacement flight was arranged, taking off at around 8:30 PM and landing in Billund at approximately 9:30 PM. A new crew operated the replacement flight due to the significant impact on the original staff.
In a statement, KLM said, “We are currently taking care of the passengers and employees who witnessed the incident at Schiphol,” adding that the circumstances are under investigation. The airport also expressed condolences, stating, “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 offered their condolences and cooperation, saying, “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.”
Schiphol Airport, Europe’s third largest, saw nearly 5.5 million passengers last month. This incident echoes a similar tragedy in June last year at San Antonio International Airport in Texas, where an airport worker was killed after being sucked into a plane’s engine.
That death was later ruled a suicide. Another airline worker, Courtney Edwards, tragically died in December 2022 after being pulled into a jet engine at Montgomery Regional Airport in Alabama on New Year’s Eve.
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