Police confirm worker killed by plane’s engine at Amsterdam Schipol Airport ‘crawled inside’

Warning: This article contains discussion of suicide which some readers may find distressing

More details have emerged regarding the airport employee who tragically lost their life in a jet engine at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport on Wednesday 29 May.

The tragedy occurred at around 3pm on Wednesday (29 May) while passengers were onboard the KLM Cityhopper Embraer E190 bound for Billund in Denmark.

Initial statements from a crew member cited hearing a 'hellish noise'.

Speaking to local outlet De Telegraaf, the member of staff commented that an unnamed person fell into the engine shortly after members of the cabin crew had finished their safety briefing.

A man died after falling into a plane's engine at Amsterdam's Schiphol airport. (Nicolas Economou/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Alongside the hellish noise, there was 'smoke rising from the engine', and that numerous passengers and cabin crew staff saw the incident happen.

Now, Dutch police have shared that the man 'intentionally climbed into the engine'.

They said: "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."

Before the tragic details came to light, KLM released their own statement.

They said: "A fatal incident took place at Schiphol today during which a person ended up in a running aircraft engine.

"The flight concerned was KL1341 bound for Billund. We are currently taking care of the passengers and employees who witnessed the incident at Schiphol.”

Schiphol Airport weighed in to offer their condolences, with a spokesperson sharing: "A horrific incident occurred today where a person became trapped in the engine of an aircraft.

A crew member reported a 'hellish noise'. (Urbanandsport/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

“Our thoughts are with the loved ones and we care for the passengers and colleagues who witnessed this incident.”

As people shared their shock of the incident, Dutch minister for infrastructure Mark Harbers took to social media to make his own comment.

He shared on X: "Terrible news about a fatal accident today at Schiphol. My condolences go out to the relatives of the victim and the people who witnessed the accident.”

Many others expressed concern for those who witnessed the fatal tragedy, and a spokesman for the Dutch military, who police the airport, reassured: “All passengers and employees of the flight in question have disembarked and are being taken care of.”

If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, please don’t suffer alone. Call Samaritans for free on their anonymous 24-hour phone line on 116 123.