LONDON: A small aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff at London Southend Airport on Sunday, prompting a major emergency response. The airport, located approximately 72 kilometers east of central London, confirmed the incident on social media, describing it as a “serious incident” involving a general aviation aircraft.
Essex Police were alerted just before 4 p.m. local time and are coordinating with emergency services at the scene. “We are working with all emergency services now, and that work will continue for several hours,” police said in a statement cited by the Associated Press.
British media identified the aircraft as a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, a medical transport jet outfitted for patient care. It was reportedly en route to the Netherlands at the time of the crash.
Eyewitnesses reported dramatic scenes at the airport. John Johnson, who was visiting the airport with his family, described seeing the aircraft veer sharply to the left moments after takeoff before inverting and crashing head-first into the ground. “There was a big fireball,” Johnson said, noting that he and his family had waved to the pilots moments before the crash. “They all waved back at us,” he added.
Images circulating on social media showed flames and thick black smoke billowing from the crash site. The airport’s on-site fire service responded immediately, followed by units from local fire departments, police, and ambulance services.
Authorities have not yet confirmed how many people were on board or released information on casualties. As a precaution, nearby facilities—including a golf club and a rugby club—were evacuated due to their proximity to the crash area.
Local Member of Parliament David Burton-Sampson urged residents to avoid the area to allow emergency services to operate without obstruction. “My thoughts are with everyone involved,” he said.
All flights to and from London Southend Airport have been cancelled until further notice, according to the airport’s website.
