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London Southend Airport remains shut until further notice following a catastrophic crash involving a small Beechcraft King Air B200 aircraft on Sunday afternoon.
What Happened
The plane, a twin-engine turboprop configured for medical transport, crashed shortly after takeoff just before 4:00pm on Sunday, sparking a massive fireball visible from miles around. It was en route to Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands.
According to Essex Police, the 12-metre aircraft “crashed head-first into the ground” shortly after departing, prompting a major emergency response. Multiple fire crews, ambulances, and the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance attended the scene.
Emergency Response
The East of England Ambulance Service dispatched:
- 4 ambulances
- 4 Hazardous Area Response Team vehicles
- 3 senior paramedic cars
- 1 rapid response vehicle
- Essex and Herts Air Ambulance
The aircraft was reportedly seen waving to families watching at the airport moments before the crash.
“The plane took off and banked left steeply before nosediving into the ground,” one eyewitness told local media. “We saw a huge fireball and black smoke rise instantly.”
Flights Cancelled
All flights departing from Southend Airport were cancelled or diverted, including services to Paris, Alicante, Faro, and Palma de Mallorca. EasyJet confirmed the cancellations and advised passengers to rebook or request refunds.
Airport operations remain suspended and a wide safety cordon is still in place.
Investigation Ongoing
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched an inquiry. Police have urged the public to avoid the area, and MP David Burton-Sampson said:
“My thoughts are with all those involved. Please stay away and allow emergency services to carry out their vital work.”
A dedicated online portal and phone line have been set up by Essex Police for witnesses and those affected.
What We Know So Far
- Beechcraft King Air B200 medical aircraft crashed at ~4pm
- Emergency services responded within minutes
- All departures from Southend cancelled
- Full AAIB investigation underway
- Cause of crash still unknown
- Reports suggest aircraft had arrived from Pula, Croatia earlier that day
