Plane Crash Grounds Southend Airport Operations
A devastating plane crash at Southend Airport has halted all flight operations and triggered a full-scale emergency response. The aircraft, identified as a medical transport plane, went down shortly after takeoff Sunday afternoon, forcing the closure of the airfield east of London and prompting immediate investigations.
Airport Shuts Down Amid Chaos and Emergency Response
Shortly before 4 p.m., the small aircraft took off from London Southend Airport. Just moments later, it crashed, sending a massive fireball and thick black smoke into the sky. With emergency crews rushing to the scene, authorities moved quickly to suspend all scheduled departures. As of now, the airport remains completely shut, and no timeline has been given for reopening.
London Southend Airport confirmed on social media that “all flights are cancelled for the rest of the day.” Online flight boards showed at least four scheduled departures scrubbed. Officials are urging travellers to check with their airlines before heading to the airport.
Medical Aircraft Linked to Dutch Aviation Company
The aircraft involved is believed to be a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, a twin-turboprop plane commonly used for air ambulance services. According to reports from The Independent and AP, the plane was operated by Zeusch Aviation, a Dutch-based medical transport firm.
Zeusch Aviation confirmed the crash involved its SUZ1 flight, which had recently landed in Southend after flying from Croatia. The plane was scheduled to depart again for Lelystad in the Netherlands later that evening.
In a statement, the company said:
“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected. We are cooperating fully with investigators.”
Flames, Smoke, and Eyewitness Horror
Photos and videos circulating online reveal the terrifying aftermath — flames rising from the crash site, with smoke blanketing the area. Witnesses were quick to recount the horrifying moment.
John Johnson, who had been at the airport with his family, described the chilling final seconds:
“Just a few seconds after liftoff, it banked sharply to the left. Then it inverted and crashed nose-first. A massive fireball followed.”
He added that just minutes earlier, he and his children had waved at the pilots, who waved back.
Police, Fire Crews, and Medics Flood the Area
Essex Police declared it a “serious incident,” urging the public to steer clear while emergency responders work.
The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service deployed four fire engines and off-road support vehicles. The East of England Ambulance Service dispatched four ambulances, four hazardous response units, and an air ambulance. Nearby public spaces, including Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club, were evacuated for safety.
Emergency services say they will remain at the site for several more hours to manage the aftermath and secure the area for investigators.
Public Officials Respond, Urge Calm and Caution
David Burton-Sampson, Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, posted on X (formerly Twitter) shortly after the crash:
“Please keep away and allow emergency services to do their work. My thoughts are with everyone involved.”
Authorities continue to monitor the situation and have yet to release official details regarding casualties or survivors. Meanwhile, investigators from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) are preparing to examine the wreckage to determine the cause.
What’s Next for Southend and the Investigation
There’s no clear timeline yet for when Southend Airport might reopen. The airport, located roughly 72 kilometers east of central London, is a key regional hub. As of now, all operations remain suspended, and passengers are urged to monitor airline alerts.
Authorities are focused on two priorities: ensuring public safety and uncovering the root cause of the crash. Once investigators secure the site, a detailed probe into what went wrong will begin.
Stay tuned to Maple News Wire for the latest updates on this developing story.
