A 52-year-old Italian tourist was severely injured on the island of Skiathos on Monday, August 10, after being knocked down by the powerful jet blast of a departing aircraft.
According to initial reports, the force of the engine blast threw the woman, causing her to suffer severe head trauma.
Emergency medical services responded immediately, bringing the victim to the Skiathos Health Center, where she underwent a CT scan to assess the extent of her injuries. Due to the severity of her condition, she was urgently airlifted to Volos Hospital shortly after 6:00 PM.
Local authorities are currently investigating the circumstances of the incident, focusing on how the woman was positioned so close to the dangerous exhaust during takeoff.
Spectators in danger from jet blast at Skiathos airport
Every summer, dozens of tourists and locals gather on the beach directly adjacent to the Skiathos airport runway to watch planes land and take off at extremely close range. However, the phenomenon known as “jet blast” frequently blows people and objects off their feet, sometimes throwing them into the sea.
A recent report ranks the Alexandros Papadiamantis Airport on the island of Skiathos as one of the worst airports in the world in terms of location.
The Skiathos airport is famous among pilots for its low landings. It has one short and narrow runway close to homes and is hemmed in by the sea, a lagoon, and a hill. All these make it difficult for pilots to navigate, but its location makes for spectacular takeoffs and landings.
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