A fatal accident at Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport on Wednesday has resulted in the death of a person who ended up in the running engine of a KLM passenger jet. The tragic event occurred as flight KL1341 was preparing for departure to Billund, Denmark.
The incident happened in the afternoon, causing immediate response from emergency services. KLM has stated that it is providing care for the passengers and employees who witnessed the harrowing event. The airline, along with Netherland’s military police, has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the accident.
The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee force confirmed the incident on their social media platform, X, noting that all passengers and employees were safely removed from the aircraft. Details about the deceased have not been released, and authorities have not yet determined whether the death was accidental or intentional.
Dutch media reports suggest the deceased might have been an airport employee involved in pushing back the airplane before takeoff. Eyewitnesses described a “hellish noise” and smoke following the incident, which occurred just after the crew had completed their safety instructions.
Photos obtained by Dutch national broadcaster NOS show emergency personnel surrounding the short-haul Embraer jet, part of KLM’s Cityhopper service that operates flights to nearby European destinations.
Schiphol Airport expressed its condolences, stating, “Our thoughts go out to the [deceased’s] relatives, and we care for the passengers and colleagues who saw this.” Infrastructure Minister Mark Harbers also reacted to the news on social media, describing the incident as “terrible.”
The Dutch Safety Board has dispatched investigators to the scene to determine the cause and nature of the accident. Meanwhile, the Dutch Association of Aviation Technicians (NVLT) has extended its sympathies to those affected by the tragedy.