Jet Blast Flips Truck at Beef Island
Reports say a vehicle was flipped by jet blast from an aircraft preparing for a Miami flight on Runway 07 at Terrance B. Lettsome Airport, trapping the driver in the cabin before Fire and Rescue Services officers freed them. The driver’s condition remains unclear and the aircraft later departed without incident.
Reports reaching our News Centre indicate that jet blast from an aircraft preparing for a Miami flight struck and flipped a truck on Runway 07 at Terrance B. Lettsome Airport on Beef Island, trapping the vehicle’s driver in the cabin. The truck is believed to belong to RiteWay Food Markets.
Fire and Rescue Services officers attached to the airport responded to the scene and assisted in extricating the trapped driver. At the time of reporting, the condition of the driver is unclear. The aircraft involved — operating as an American Airlines flight — subsequently took off without further incident.
Airport operations were not reported to have been otherwise disrupted, and emergency crews cleared the immediate scene after the rescue. Lettsome Airport warns motorists to exercise caution when aircraft are landing and taking off. Jet blast is a well-known hazard at airports: exhaust from high-powered jet engines can create extremely strong winds capable of overturning unsecured objects, damaging vehicles, and causing injuries to people nearby.
Local residents and motorists who use the road near the airport are reminded to heed posted warnings and to maintain a safe distance from runways and areas where aircraft engines are being powered. Airport authorities typically establish safety buffers and restrict vehicle access close to active runways during aircraft operations to reduce such risks.
BVI Live has not yet received confirmation of any ongoing investigation or official statements from airport management or the airline. It is standard procedure for airport and aviation authorities to review incidents that involve jet blast or vehicle damage to determine whether additional safety measures are needed.
We will update this story as more information becomes available, including the condition of the driver and any statements from RiteWay Food Markets, the airport authority, or American Airlines. Anyone who witnessed the incident or has relevant information is asked to contact our News Centre.
This report is based on accounts received by BVI Live and emergency responders’ initial actions at the scene. Further details will be published when verified by the appropriate authorities.
Primary source: VINO