An airport worker in the US has died after being sucked into a plane engine, officials have said.

The employee, who has not been named, was “ingested” into an engine at San Antonio International Airport in Texas on Friday, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said.

The incident happened at 10.25pm local time when a Delta Air Lines flight from Los Angeles taxied to its gate on one engine.

It is not clear how the person was sucked into the engine and the NTSB is investigating the incident.

According to the Federal Aviation Authority, the employee was a ramp worker.

In a statement, the airport said: “We are deeply saddened by this incident and are working with authorities as they begin their investigation.

“We will share more information as details become available.”

Delta Air Lines said it was “heartbroken” over the incident and the loss of a member of its “aviation family”.

“Our hearts and full support are with their family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time,” it added.

A similar incident also occurred late last year in Alabama, when an airport worker was pulled into a plane engine.