A heartbreaking plane crash near London has taken the lives of four individuals after a small aircraft went down shortly after taking off from Southend Airport on Sunday.
The tragic event unfolded just before 4:00 p.m. local time, leading to a swift response from emergency services and the airport’s closure, as reported by DPA and AP.
Aircraft Crashes Minutes After Takeoff
Essex Police have confirmed that the aircraft involved was a 12-meter Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, operated by Zeusch Aviation. The plane was headed to Lelystad in the Netherlands when it tragically crashed just moments after takeoff. Sadly, all four people on board lost their lives. Authorities are currently working to identify the victims, who, notably, were not British nationals.
Dutch officials have also verified the crash. Reports indicate that this type of aircraft is frequently used for medical transport, including the transfer of patients or donor organs.
Smoke and Fireball Witnessed at the Scene
Images shared on social media depict thick black smoke billowing from the wreckage. Eyewitnesses recounted a harrowing scene. One man, who was at the airport with his family at the time, told the PA news agency that the plane “nosedived into the ground and erupted into a massive fireball.” He mentioned that just moments before the crash, he and other onlookers had waved at the pilots, who waved back.
Flight Path Before the Crash
Flight data reveals that the aircraft had previously traveled from Athens, Greece, to Pula, Croatia, before arriving at Southend Airport. Its final leg, which was supposed to take it to Lelystad in the Netherlands, ended in tragedy just minutes after takeoff.
Airport Closed, Nearby Facilities Evacuated
Southend Airport, located about 60 kilometers east of London near Southend-on-Sea, was promptly closed following the crash. Flights scheduled for Monday were canceled, and local rugby and golf clubs near the crash site were evacuated as a safety measure.
Emergency services are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, and authorities have yet to release additional details about the victims.
