Jet's blast hurles worker backwards

AN AIRPORT worker was thrown back by a jet engine blast at Southampton Airport, it emerged today.

It is understood the force of pressure hurled him backwards by up to 15 ft.

One eye-witness said it was “pure chance” that passengers, disembarking from a nearby plane, were not hit as they walked behind the engines.

An investigation is now under way following the drama involving a Paris-bound Air France (Brit Air) CRJ.

The incident happened when the aircraft taxied off from bay two, near the passenger terminal, with an unexpected surge of power.

The worker, employed by Aviance, a national ground handling company, was standing close by when he bore the brunt of the jet turbine wash.

The eye-witness, who is not being named, watched as the Air France plane powered off by a group of holidaymakers who had just returned from Spain.

He said: “It was pure chance that no passengers were hit by the engine blast as there were people walking behind the CRJ as it was starting engines.

“The blast of power nearly knocked over a member of Aviance’s ground staff near the terminal.”

Airport and Aviance bosses say they have not received any notification of injuries.

Details of the incident, which took place at about 7.30am last Saturday, the day after a strike by Aviance airport workers over pay and conditions.

An Aviance spokesman said an investigation is under way, adding: “We take incidents like this very seriously.”

An airport spokesman said: “There have been no reported injuries to passengers. However, we will be conducting a full investigation into this incident. Safety and security continue to be our highest priority at all times.”