Plane crashes shortly after takeoff at London Southend Airport

Emergency teams rushed to London Southend Airport on Monday afternoon after a small aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff, leading to the airport’s closure until further notice.

At this time, no official information has been released regarding casualties or the number of people on board the plane. Authorities and investigators are currently working at the scene.

The Essex-based airport, located about 56 kilometers east of London, suspended all arrivals and departures as police, fire crews, ambulance services, and air accident investigators responded to the incident. The airport confirmed via social media that multiple international flights have been cancelled following the crash.

Reports from British media suggest the aircraft was a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, a medical transport plane equipped with patient care systems. The plane was reportedly en route to the Netherlands when the crash occurred.

Essex Police stated they were alerted just before 4 p.m. local time to a collision involving a 12-meter aircraft at Southend Airport. Shortly after, witnesses shared images and videos online showing thick black smoke and flames rising from the crash site.

One eyewitness, John Johnson, who was at the airport with his family, described the crash to the Associated Press. “The plane took off, but just a few seconds later, it banked sharply to the left, then flipped and crashed nose-first into the ground, creating a huge fireball,” he said. Johnson added that before the takeoff, the pilots had waved at the crowd, which made the incident even more shocking.

Emergency response was immediate, with the airport’s fire service dispatching two fire engines, followed by ambulances and police vehicles. The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed sending four ambulances along with additional emergency vehicles to the scene.

Local Member of Parliament David Burton-Sampson urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency teams to carry out their work. “My thoughts are with everyone affected by this tragic event,” he said.

Authorities have not yet released further details on the cause of the crash or the condition of those involved. Investigations are ongoing.