THE person killed at an Amsterdam airport has been identified as a male airline employee who is believed to have intentionally climbed into the jet engine.
The man was sucked into a plane’s running engine on Wednesday at the platform at Schiphol Airport.
The aircraft had just completed the pushback procedure and was about to taxi to the runway.
The victim has now been identified as an employee of a company working at the airport at the time of the ordeal.
The investigation has revealed that he intentionally climbed into the engine, indicating this is a case of suicide.
Witnesses told Dutch outlet De Telegraaf that they heard a “hellish noise” before watching plumes of smoke pour from the plane.
One said: “Many people saw it happen.”
The Cityhopper Embraer E190, carrying more than 80 passengers, was scheduled to take off for Billund in Denmark at 2.25pm.
An airport employee said the horrific incident happened during “pushback”, as the plane was moved back on the tarmac in preparation for take-off.
Horror took place ‘during takeoff’
BY Ellie Doughty, Foreign News Reporter
The tragic incident at Schiphol airport yesterday happened just as the plane was preparing to take off.
An airport employee said it happened during “pushback”, where the jet is moved away from its stand as it gears up to fly.
Passengers and crew were already on board and witnessed the graphic disaster.
The pushback procedure is usually done using special vehicles called pushback tractors or tugs.
Often the pilot will tell a worker on the tarmac – sometimes walking alongside the plane – to start the process.
Several Dutch outlets have said the victim could have been an airport worker involved in the pushback manoeuvre.
The crew had just finished completing the routine safety instructions for those onboard.
Over 80 people were removed from the plane and interviewed by military cops after the incident.
Some of them saw the moment itself – and were deemed “important witnesses”, Dutch outlet AD reports.
A police spokesperson told the outlet: “They may be able to help us with the investigation.”
Officials also provided psychological support for the possibly traumatised witnesses.
A replacement flight was arranged last night, taking off around 8.30pm and landing in the Danish city of Billund at around 9.30pm.
A spokesperson said it was flown by a replacement crew, however, as the tragic incident had a “major impact” on the earlier staff.
In a statement, KLM said: “We are currently taking care of the passengers and employees who witnessed the incident at Schiphol.”
They added: “The circumstances are currently under investigation”.
In a statement, the airport said: “A horrific incident occurred today where a person became trapped in the engine of an aircraft.
“Our thoughts are with the loved ones and we care for the passengers and colleagues who witnessed this incident.
“The Royal Military Police are currently conducting an investigation.”
The pilots union VNV added: “Our first concern and thoughts go out to those involved and their relatives.
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“We offer our cooperation and expertise in the investigation into the exact cause.”
Amsterdam Schiphol Airport is Europe’s third largest.
