A small plane crashed at London Southend Airport on Sunday, prompting an immediate response from emergency services. Police and airport officials confirmed the incident, which led to the closure of the airport as authorities worked to secure the scene. Video footage showed flames and thick black smoke rising from the wreckage of the 12-meter aircraft.
Essex Police described the crash as a “serious incident” and stated that emergency teams would remain on-site for several hours. Authorities were alerted shortly before 4 p.m. local time and evacuated nearby areas, including a golf club and rugby club, as a precaution. The airport later announced its closure until further notice, with all incoming and outgoing flights canceled.
London Southend Airport confirmed the crash in a statement, saying they were cooperating with local authorities to gather more information. Transport Minister Heidi Alexander acknowledged the “tragic incident” on social media, stating she was closely monitoring the situation. According to the BBC, the aircraft involved was a Beechcraft B200, which crashed shortly after takeoff.
Southend-on-Sea, located about 65 kilometers east of London, is the sixth-largest airport in the region. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with air accident investigators joining police and emergency responders at the scene. Further updates are expected as the situation develops.