Tragic Amsterdam airport worker ‘deliberately climbed into plane engine’

A man who died tragically at a major international airport is believed to have deliberately climbed into a plane’s engine, police said.

An airport worker was killed in a horror incident at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam yesterday afternoon. The person, a male employee, is said to have boarded a KLM Cityhopper Embraer E190 jet engine that was preparing to depart the airport.

Witnesses said there was an “infernal noise” as the person was sucked into the jet turbine. Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, one person said: “A lot of people saw it.”

The Mirror reports that the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, 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 engine, suggesting it was a case of suicide. Out of respect for the victim and her loved ones, they will not no further statements made.”

The plane, which can accommodate up to 104 passengers, was scheduled to take off for Billund, Denmark at 2:25 p.m. The crew had just finished delivering safety instructions to passengers on board, but over 80 people were then removed from the aircraft and questioned by military police following the tragedy.

Some of the passengers who watched the moment unfold were considered “important witnesses”, Dutch outlet AD reported. A police spokesman told the newspaper: “They may be able to help us with the investigation.” Those likely to have been traumatized by what they witnessed were offered psychological support.

The tragic event reportedly had a “major impact” on staff. The replacement flight to the Danish city took off at around 21:30 last night. Another crew was flying the plane.

In a statement, KLM said: “We are currently looking after the passengers and staff who witnessed the incident at Schiphol. The circumstances are currently under investigation”.