Person dies after being sucked into plane engine at Amsterdam airport in front of passengers

A person has died after being sucked into a plane engine at Amsterdam airport in front of passengers today (29 May).

Emergency services carried out a 'massive' response following the horrific incident which was first reported around 3.00pm this afternoon.

Local media reports that passengers and crew members were on board the Embraer 190 aircraft when the tragedy took place.

The KLM flight 1341 was set to depart from Schiphol in Amsterdam for Billund in Denmark.

At this point in time, it is not yet clear whether the victim - who has not yet been publicly identified - was travelling with the airline or a staff member who worked at the airport.

In a statement, Amsterdam Schiphol 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 airport also took to X, formerly Twitter, writing: "Today there was a horrible incident where a person ended up in an airplane engine.

"The Royal Military Police is currently conducting an investigation."

The official Royal Military Police X account added: "An incident occurred this afternoon on the Schiphol platform where a person fell into a running aircraft engine and died.

"The Marechaussee starts an investigation."

Vandaag is er een afschuwelijk incident geweest waarbij een persoon in een vliegtuigmotor is beland. Onze gedachten gaan uit naar de nabestaanden en we hebben zorg voor de passagiers en collega’s die dit hebben gezien. De Koninklijke Marechaussee voert momenteel onderzoek uit. https://t.co/G7QD0Ihevl

— Schiphol (@Schiphol) May 29, 2024

KLM has since also released a statement on the matter.

It reads: "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."

Dutch minister for infrastructure Mark Harbers also shared a statement on the matter, taking to X writing: "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."

The Dutch Safety Board has since sent three inspectors to Schiphol Airport to deal with the initial investigation of the incident.

People have since shared their condolences for the victim with one X user writing: "R.I.P. awful accident - my thoughts to all involved and of course the family. Very sad."

A second penned: "That's horrendous!"

"Horrible," added another X user.