Jet blast Kiwi victim's family 'totally distraught'

St Maarten Island police are warning tourists against standing behind jet blasts after the death of a New Zealand woman yesterday.

Island tourism director Rolando Brison, has been in touch with the woman's family and told the Herald they are "totally distraught".

"They are currently handling arrangements. They are totally distraught," Brison said.

"At this time I'm not at liberty to reveal any names out of respect for the family."

The landing and taking-off of of all types and sizes of aircrafts at the international airport of St Maarten, which is close to the beach, is a major tourist attraction.

"Many tourists come to the island to experience the thrills of the landing of approaching aircraft flying low above their heads," police said.

The tourists hold on to the airport fence and stand in the jet blast of large aircraft, but it was "extremely dangerous".

Police said emergency services were called to Beacon Hill Rd near the airport runway of the Princess Juliana International Airport on Wednesday about 6pm.

"Several persons were holding on to the airport fence during the take-off of a large jet aircraft," they said.

"During the take-off this aircraft a 57-year-old female tourist from New Zealand was blown away by the jet blast and was seriously injured."

She died shortly after as a result of the injuries she sustained, police said.

The warning has also been posted on the St Maarten Police Facebook site.

The Herald has tried to reach the police for further comments.

Authorities are also appealing for tourists and the public to adhere to warning signs at the end of the runway.