London, July 13: London Southend Airport was shut down and all flights cancelled on Sunday after a small aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, sending a plume of fire and smoke into the air, officials and eyewitnesses said.
The crash occurred at around 4 p.m. local time, prompting a swift response from emergency services, including fire crews, paramedics, and police. The airport, located about 72 kilometres (45 miles) east of central London, confirmed the suspension of operations following what it called a “serious incident” involving a general aviation aircraft.
British media reported that the aircraft was a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air medical transport jet en route to the Netherlands. The number of people on board and their condition has not yet been confirmed by authorities.
Eyewitnesses described the aircraft crashing head-first into the ground moments after takeoff. “It started to bank heavily to its left, and then inverted and crashed,” said John Johnson, who was at the airport with his family. “There was a big fireball.” Johnson said he had waved at the pilots shortly before takeoff and they waved back. Within seconds of becoming airborne, the aircraft lost control and crashed, he said.
Images posted on social media showed thick black smoke and flames rising from the crash site. The airport’s emergency fire services were the first to respond, followed by Essex Police and other local emergency crews.
“We are working with all emergency services at the scene now and that work will be ongoing for several hours,” Essex Police said in a statement.
Local MP David Burton-Sampson urged the public to avoid the area and allow rescue and investigation teams to carry out their work. “My thoughts are with everyone involved,” he said. Air accident investigators have been deployed to assess the cause of the crash. The airport remains closed until further notice.
