A person was killed after falling into the engine of the KLM aircraft, which was about to take off from Schiphol airport in Amsterdam. The tragedy was witnessed by passengers and crew, who are being offered counselling.
According to the sources, the plane which was bound for Billund in Denmark, had been reversing at the time when this incident happened.
The reason is still unclear how the person collapsed or whether it was intentional. Also, his identity is not yet revealed if he was a passenger or an employee. But police and safety authorities have started a major investigation.
A statement by the airport in Amsterdam read: “Today there was a horrible incident where a person ended up in an airplane engine. Our thoughts go out to the relatives and we care for the passengers and colleagues who witnessed this. The royal military police [the Marechaussee] are currently conducting an investigation”. Emergency services rushed to the airport just before 3pm, when the alarm was raised.
A police spokesperson said: “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.”He added that all passengers and employees of the flight in question and shock, KL1341, had disembarked and were being taken care of. The Dutch Safety Board said three investigators had been sent to the airport.
“An employee from the aircraft during investigation reported that someone had jumped into the engine while the crew had just completed the safety instructions. There was ‘a hellish noise’ after which smoke could be seen for a moment. Passengers and employees saw the incident happen before their eyes.” Dutch newspaper De Telegraafr website reported. An airport employee told the website that the aircraft had been reversing before taking off.
KLM said: “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 [Royal Military Police].”
Police said “victim assistance” was available for passengers, airport employees and emergency services workers. Passengers may also be important witnesses, the spokesperson added. “They may be able to help us in the investigation.” It’s understood the person’s remains were found in the aircraft engine.
Mark Harbers, the infrastructure minister, wrote on social media: “Terrible news. My condolences go out to the relatives of the victim and the people who witnessed the accident.”
Marjan Rintel, chief executive of KLM, wrote: “This afternoon a terrible incident took place at Schiphol in which one person died. Our thoughts go out to the loved ones of the deceased and all people who witnessed the accident. An investigation into the circumstances is currently under way.”
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