An individual tragically lost his life on the afternoon of May 29, 2024 after being drawn into the operational jet engine of a KLM aircraft stationed at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol in The Netherlands. The unfortunate event unfolded as the Embraer E190 jet, a part of KLM’s Cityhopper service, was preparing to embark on its journey to Billund, Denmark. The deceased’s identity remains undisclosed.
Passengers on board the aircraft reported hearing a “terrifying sound” as a man was tragically pulled into the engine. “Many people saw it happen,” one traumatized passenger revealed to the press.
In a statement acknowledging the incident, KLM indicated, “A fatal incident occurred at Schiphol today when an individual was pulled into a running aircraft engine, resulting in their death. We are mobilizing efforts to provide assistance to both passengers and employees who witnessed the traumatic event. The incident is currently under investigation.”
The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, the military police force of the country, took the lead in the ongoing investigation. They have emphasized that all passengers and crew of the affected flight were evacuated and were provided with necessary care and support.
Schiphol Airport, one of the busiest aviation centers in Europe, issued a statement expressing concern for the bereaved family and pledged to support the passengers and colleagues who witnessed the tragic event.
Expressing his condolences on a social media platform, Dutch Infrastructure Minister Mark Harbers stated, “Tragic news from Schiphol today as a fatal accident occurred. My condolences to the victim’s family and those who witnessed the incident.” KLM CEO Marjan Rintel echoed Harbers’ sentiment, assuring that the airline is providing all necessary support to those affected.
This incident has garnered significant attention due to its tragic nature and the safety concerns it poses. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, known for being one of Europe’s safest and most efficient airports, has been shaken by this shocking event. An airport employee alleged that they saw a person jump into the engine after the crew had finished giving safety instructions.
The Dutch Safety Board sent three investigators to the site to independently examine the incident. They collaborated with the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee to reveal any possible lapses in safety protocols that may have contributed to the tragedy.
The Mirror reported that the investigation has resulted in the identification of the deceased as a worker for a business located at the airport. It has come to light through investigative efforts that the individual deliberately entered the engine, suggesting that the incident was a suicide. Out of consideration for the deceased’s family and friends, no additional details will be disclosed.
While incidents involving individuals being trapped in aircraft engines are infrequent, they have been recorded in other parts of the world. Such occurrences often lead to thorough investigations and modifications in safety procedures. In a similar incident last year, a 27-year-old employee at San Antonio International Airport in Texas met a tragic end after being sucked into a Delta Airlines jet engine. The death was later declared a suicide.
