A tourist suffered serious injuries after an aircraft’s powerful engine blasted her to the ground at a famous plane-spotting beach.
The incident occurred on 10 August around noon close to Skiathos International Airport in Greece.
The unnamed Italian tourist, believed to be a 52-year-old woman, suffered serious head injuries, according to local media.
ERT News reported that emergency services attended the scene and rushed the woman to Skiathos Emergency Clinic where she underwent a CT scan to assess her condition and injuries.
Shortly afterwards, she was reportedly airlifted to Volos General Hospital for further treatment due to the severity of her injury.
Local authorities have launched an investigation to determine why the woman was so close to the plane as it departed.
Skiathos Airport is famous amongst aviation enthusiasts because the airport’s runway is very close to the coastline and surrounding public areas.
On approach, aircraft fly extraordinarily low as they cross the beach before landing.
open image in galleryWhile watching planes land is usually a risk-free activity, observing aircraft take-off can be more hazardous, particularly if spectators position themselves too near to the runway perimeter.
The engines of large aircraft generate an enormous amount of thrust with the power to blast anyone in the immediate vicinity if they stand too close.
Warning signs are clearly marked at the site to alert people of the danger from the jet blast.
In video footage shared from 2019, spectators at the airport can be seen being blown back by the force of the jet blast after standing just metres away from the runway.
Skiathos Airport has been dubbed the European St Maarten, a reference to the Caribbean island where hundreds of people gather to watch jumbo jets land beyond a popular tourist beach.
The Independent has contacted Greek authorities for further details about the incident.