One person died when he fell into the engine of a KLM plane that was about to take off from Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam.

Passengers and crew on board reportedly witnessed the tragedy and are being offered psychological help.

According to local media reports, the plane, which was headed for Billund in Denmark, was in reverse gear at the time.

It was initially unclear why the person fell, whether he jumped and whether he was a passenger or an employee.

But police and security authorities have launched a comprehensive investigation.

A statement from Amsterdam Airport said: “Today there was a terrible incident in which a person ended up in an aircraft engine.

“Our thoughts are with the relatives and we express our condolences to the passengers and colleagues who witnessed the accident.

“The Royal Military Police (the Marechaussee) is currently conducting investigations.”

Shortly before 3 p.m., rescue workers rushed to the airport when the alarm was raised.

A police spokesman said: “This afternoon an incident occurred on the Schiphol platform in which a person fell into a running aircraft engine and died. The Marechaussee is launching an investigation.”

It was further stated that all passengers and staff of the flight in question, KL1341, had disembarked and were being cared for.

The Dutch Security Agency said it was sending three investigators to the airport.

The fact that the engine was running indicated that the plane, a Cityhopper, was preparing to take off, according to the Dutch newspaper The Telegraph.

“An employee of the affected aircraft reported that someone jumped into the engine while the crew was performing safety instructions,” the website said.

“There was a ‘hellish noise’, followed by smoke for a moment. Passengers and staff saw the incident before their eyes.”

An airport employee told the website that the plane flew backwards before taking off.

KLM said: “Today a fatal incident occurred at Schiphol in which a person was caught in a running aircraft engine. Unfortunately, this person has died.”

“It was flight KL1341 bound for Billund. We are currently taking care of the passengers and employees who witnessed the incident at Schiphol.

“The circumstances are currently being investigated. For further information – as soon as it is available – we refer you to the Royal Netherlands Marechaussee (Royal Military Police).”

Police said “victim assistance” was available for passengers, airport staff and emergency services.

Passengers could also be important witnesses, the spokesman added. “They may be able to help us with the investigation.”

It is believed that the person’s remains were found in the aircraft engine.

Infrastructure Minister Mark Harbers wrote on social media: “Terrible news. My condolences go out to the victim’s family and those who witnessed the accident.”

Marjan Rintel, CEO of KLM, wrote: “This afternoon a terrible incident occurred at Schiphol in which one person died.

“Our thoughts are with the relatives of the deceased and all people who witnessed the accident. Investigations into the circumstances are currently ongoing.”