Tragedy struck at Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport today as a person was fatally sucked into the engine of a plane.
The incident occurred on Wednesday (May 29) at the city's main airport and involved a KLM Cityhopper Embraer E190 preparing to depart the Dutch airport.
Passengers and crew watched on in horror as the individual was sucked into the engine. It is not yet clear whether the individual was a passenger or an employee, and no name has been reported as of this writing.
Per The Mirror, witnesses told Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf that they heard a "hellish noise" as the person was sucked into the jet turbine.
"Many people saw it happen," one person added.
Emergency services were promptly notified around 3:00PM (local time) and rushed to the scene.
Reports from NL Times indicate that both passengers and crew members were aboard the flight when the fatal accident occurred. The flight in question was KLM Flight 1341, scheduled to depart from Amsterdam to Billund, Denmark.
Officials for Schiphol Airport confirmed the tragic death on X, writing: "Our thoughts go out to the relatives and we care for the passengers and colleagues who witnessed this.
"The Royal Military Police is currently conducting an investigation."
Additionally, officials from KLM Royal Dutch Airlines - the airline that operates the plane involved - also shared a statement on the tragedy, writing: “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.”
Additionally, pilots union VNV said of the incident: "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."
Mark Harbers - the Dutch minister for infrastructure - has also spoken out about the "terrible news", saying: "My condolences go out to the relatives of the victim and the people who witnessed the accident."
Our thoughts go out to everybody impacted by this tragedy.
