Terrific KLM Jet Engine Accident Leaves Passenger Dead at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport

Thursday, May 30, 2024

A tragic incident occurred at Amsterdam Schiphol Airport when a person was killed after being drawn into the running jet engine of a KLM passenger plane.

The fatality happened as KL1341 was preparing for its flight to Billund, Denmark, on Wednesday afternoon. KLM announced that it is supporting passengers and staff who witnessed the incident and is conducting an investigation into the matter. The Royal Netherlands Marechaussee, the country’s military police, has also launched an investigation.

In a post on X, the Marechaussee confirmed that all passengers and crew had been removed from the flight. The identity of the deceased has not been disclosed, and it remains unclear whether the incident was an accident or a deliberate act, according to a spokesperson who spoke with Reuters.

Dutch media speculated that the victim might have been an employee involved in the aircraft’s pushback operations before departure. Photos shared by Dutch national broadcaster NOS depict emergency services surrounding the aircraft on the airport apron.

Reports indicate that the aircraft involved was a short-haul Embraer jet, part of KLM’s Cityhopper service, which operates flights between various European destinations.

In April, Schiphol Airport handled nearly 5.5 million passengers. This incident follows a similar tragedy last year when a 27-year-old airport worker in San Antonio, Texas, was killed after being sucked into a Delta passenger plane engine.