An employee died after being sucked into an airplane turbine while working at the airport

A employee airline ground staff Piedmont Airlines in Alabama died after being “swallowed into the engine” of a plane parked on Saturday, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) reported.

In a statement provided to the National Public Radio of the United States (NPR), the NTSB reported that it has opened an investigation into the case. The incident involves an airplane Embraer 170a medium-range jet with a capacity of about 70 passengers, which had flown from Dallas Fort-Worth to the Montgomery Regional Airport.

The victim, whose name has not yet been made public, worked for Piedmont Airlines, an aeronautical company that operates in more than 80 airports.

“We are saddened to learn of the tragic loss of an AA/Piedmont Airlines team member,” he said. Wade A Davis, CEO of the airport. “Our thoughts and prayers are with the family during this difficult time,” he added, according to npr.

The airport suspended all flights for five hours following the incident, which occurred at around 3:00 p.m. on New Year’s Eve.

People familiar with the matter told the news agency Reuters that the engine was on going at the time of the incident. The NTSB confirmed that the plane’s parking brake was also engaged.

“The aircraft was parked at the gate with the parking brake set when a ground support worker was sucked into the turbine,” the agency said.

According to the NTSB, within two or three weeks a Preliminary report with more details about the case.

(With information from AP)

Keep reading: