In a tragic turn of events, a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff at London Southend Airport on Sunday, sparking a huge fireball and triggering a multi-agency emergency response. The aircraft, believed to be a medical transport jet, was en route to the Netherlands when the incident occurred.
The airport, located 72 kilometers east of London, confirmed the “serious incident” via social media. All flights to and from Southend Airport have been canceled until further notice.
Eyewitness: “A Massive Fireball Erupted After Impact”
Witnesses described a horrifying scene as the plane took off, then quickly veered off course. John Johnson, who was at the airport with his family, said,
“We waved to the pilots and they waved back. Then within seconds of lifting off, the plane banked sharply left, flipped almost upside down, and crashed head-first into the ground. There was a massive fireball.”
Images shared online show black smoke billowing from the crash site, with airport emergency fire engines responding within minutes.
Aircraft Was a Medical Jet En Route to the Netherlands
According to British media reports, the aircraft involved in the crash was a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, a twin-turboprop jet commonly used for patient transport and medical emergencies.
While the exact number of passengers and crew remains unknown, authorities have expressed concern over possible casualties.
Emergency Services Respond Swiftly
Essex Police, alerted just before 4:00 PM local time, confirmed the incident and are working closely with airport fire crews, local police, and ambulance services. The crash area has been sealed off, and emergency operations are expected to continue for several hours.
Nearby public areas, including a golf club and a rugby ground, have been evacuated as a precaution, given their close proximity to the crash zone.
Officials Urge Public to Stay Away
Local Member of Parliament David Burton-Sampson urged people to avoid the area and allow emergency personnel to carry out their duties.
“My thoughts are with everyone involved in this tragic incident,” he stated.
No confirmed cause of the crash has been released, and an aviation safety investigation is expected to begin shortly.
Flights Canceled, Safety Protocols in Effect
All incoming and outgoing flights at London Southend Airport have been suspended until further notice. Passengers are advised to check with their respective airlines and avoid the airport until operations resume.
Final Word: Another Stark Reminder of Aviation Risks
This tragic event is a sobering reminder of how fragile flight operations can be—even at well-regulated airports like Southend. As authorities investigate, the focus remains on supporting emergency crews, identifying the victims, and ensuring full transparency about what went wrong.
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