Dutch safety board officials are investigating the death of a person who ended up in the revolving motor of a KLM Cityhopper and died.

The incident happened as the aircraft was about to take off for Billund in Denmark and was witnessed by many of the passengers, broadcaster NOS reported.

As yet it is unclear if the incident was an accident but suicide has not been ruled out, officials told the broadcaster. They have not given any details about the victim or said if they were a member of the airport staff or a passenger.

According to the Telegraaf, someone may have jumped into the motor as the crew were giving safety instructions on board. “There was a terrible noise and a lot of smoke,” the paper said.

The AD said the incident had a “major impact” on the crew.

Infrastructure minister Mark Harbers said on social media that his thoughts were with relatives of the victim and people who saw it happen.

KLM Cityhopper flies with small aircraft from Brazilian manufacturer Embraer which can take between 88 and 132 passengers.