A 57-year-old woman has died after she was blown over by a jet blast and hit her head at Maho Beach, on the Dutch Caribbean territory island of Sint Maarten.
A local official said that the woman was standing near a fence when she was knocked over by the blast from a departing plane.
The area is a popular tourist spot, with temperatures for July comfortably hitting the high twenties mark, and is also in close proximity to the airport.
Hundreds gather each day to feel the full force of jet engines as they roar little over head height to come into land, or take off.
Yet, sadly, it comes with danger and warnings, with the strong blasts capable of knocking people off their feet.
Credit: PA
Roland Brison, director of tourism for the island, which is divided between France and Holland, said the woman was from New Zealand.
He told the New Zealand Herald: "I met with the family of the deceased... and while they recognised that what they did was wrong, through the clearly visible danger signs, they regret that risk they took turned out in the worst possible way.
"At this time I only wish to express my deepest sympathy to the family and loved ones while we continue to investigate what transpired just hours ago."
Credit: PA
The paper reported that the woman was holding onto the fence when a Boeing 737 took off for Trinidad on Wednesday.
She and others were blown backwards, causing her to fall and hit her head on the pavement.
Aviation experts, such as Peter Clarke, have warned of the obvious dangers, with videos emerging each and every year of tourists being blown over by the force.
Credit: PA
He told the newspaper: "People know the dangers. It would pick you up like a piece of paper."
Many on social media were quick to show the dangers, and question why tourists are even allowed to stand so close.
I stood on Maho Beach just a few weeks ago. Filmed a bunch of fence surfing. But always on the beach, not the fence/road.
The beach even has its own webcam with a focused sight on the airport, so, even if you're not there, yet want the thrill of watching a jet plane coming into land, there's a safer way to view it.
Featured Image Credit: PATopics: Aeroplane
