London Southend Airport plane crash: Casualties feared, flights suspended

A tragic incident unfolded at London’s Southend Airport on Sunday after a small aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, sending emergency services into immediate action.

The aircraft, believed to be a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air operated by Dutch firm Zeusch Aviation, was reportedly configured for medical evacuation and transplant transport. However, official confirmation regarding the aircraft’s operator and purpose is still awaited.

According to eyewitnesses, the plane appeared to bank sharply to the left before inverting and nosediving into the ground. The impact created a massive fireball and thick black smoke that was visible from miles away.

Emergency response teams, including fire brigades, paramedics, hazardous material units, and air ambulances, quickly arrived at the crash site. Essex Police cordoned off the surrounding area, including Rochford Hundred Golf Club, to facilitate rescue and investigation operations.

In the wake of the crash, London Southend Airport suspended all operations. Flights were grounded or rerouted, with airlines such as EasyJet advising passengers to check with their carriers for updates.

As of now, the number of passengers and crew on board remains unconfirmed. Authorities have not yet released details of casualties, with rescue efforts and investigations ongoing.

This incident has raised concerns about aviation safety, as officials work to determine the cause of the crash.