London Southend Airport remains closed following a tragic airplane crash Southend Airport incident on Sunday afternoon. A small aircraft burst into flames shortly before 4:00 PM BST, sending shock and panic across the area.
Essex Police confirmed they were alerted to a 12-metre aircraft on fire at the site. Emergency services rushed to the scene after the crash, which witnesses described as a “huge fireball.”
The aircraft, operated by Dutch firm Zeusch Aviation, had travelled from Athens to Pula earlier in the day. It later flew to Southend Airport and was scheduled to return to Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands.
In a statement, Zeusch Aviation confirmed its SUZ1 flight was “involved in an accident” and said it was cooperating fully with investigators. The company expressed support for everyone affected by the airplane crash Southend Airport.
Eyewitnesses described horrifying scenes. John Johnson, visiting the airport with his family, said the aircraft took off normally but then banked sharply. Moments later, it crashed head-first into the ground, causing an explosion. “There was a huge fireball,” he said. “It almost inverted before hitting the ground.”
Bartender James Philpott, who was at a nearby golf course, said he felt a “big heatwave” before seeing flames. “People were shocked. Some ran toward the crash site to help,” he told the BBC.
Nearby locations, including a golf course and rugby club, were affected. Some areas were evacuated, while others remained open based on police advice.
No details on casualties have been officially released yet. The Air Accident Investigation Branch is leading the investigation, supported by Essex Police.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander and local officials expressed concern and offered support. Authorities urged the public to stay away from the scene and avoid using emergency lines unless absolutely necessary.
The cause of the airplane crash Southend Airport is under investigation, and the airport will remain closed until further notice.
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