Airport passengers look on in horror as person dies after being sucked into plane engine

A person has died after being sucked into a jet engine at an airport in Amsterdam.

Passengers and ground crew reportedly witnessed the horrifying incident as an individual was sucked into the engine of the Cityhopper Embraer E190 plane.

"A horrific incident occurred today where a person became trapped in the engine of an aircraft," the airport said in a statement.

"Our thoughts are with the loved ones and we care for the passengers and colleagues who witnessed this incident."

The aircraft had been scheduled to take off from the airport for Billund in Denmark at 2.25pm.

At present the identity of the person sucked into the engine has not been confirmed, and it is not known whether they were an employee or passenger.

The incident occurred at Schiphol airport in Amsterdam. (alexsl / Getty)

The aircraft belonged to the airline KLM, and was being pushed away from the stand as it prepared to take off on its flight to Denmark.

Military police were reportedly called to the scene and reported that occupants have been evacuated from the plane and are now being taken care of.

Police have also opened up an investigation into the incident, with Dutch investigators now looking into the circumstances surrounding the incident.

It is understood that passengers on the aircraft also witnessed the person being sucked into the engine.

In a statement, a spokesperson for airline KLM, which was running the flight, said: "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."

An investigation has now been opened into the incident. (VLIET / Getty)

Speaking to Dutch newspaper De Telegraaf, eyewitnesses described a 'hellish noise' when the incident happened.

Another told the outlet: "Many people saw it happen."

Dutch minister for infrastructure Mark Harbers said: "Terrible news about a fatal accident today at Schiphol. My condolences go out to the relatives of the victim and the people who witnessed the accident."

Three inspectors have now been sent to the airport by the Dutch Safety Board to handle the initial investigation into the horrifying incident.

Images from the airport show emergency services vehicles on the tarmac following the incident.

Pilots union VNV said in a statement: "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."