A 57-year old woman was killed after being blasted by jet engines of a Boeing 737, as the plane took off from Princess Juliana International Airport, on St Maarten.

The beach is famous for how low planes fly over it, during take-off or landing at the airport just inland. There are signs warning people not to get too close, for fear of death or injury.

It is thought that the New Zealand woman was holding a fence with her family to watch the plane during take-off. The woman died shortly after the incident.

Rolando Brison, who is St Maarten’s director of tourism, confirmed he had spoken to the woman’s family.

He said: “I met with the family of the deceased this evening 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.”