Plane crash at London Southend Airport sends fireball into sky
- A small Beech B200 plane crashed shortly after takeoff at London Southend Airport, resulting in a fireball.
- Emergency services responded promptly, closing the airport and asking the public to avoid the area.
- The incident is under investigation, and details about the number of passengers and potential casualties remain unclear.
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, a small plane crashed shortly after takeoff at London Southend Airport in England, leading to a significant emergency response. The aircraft, identified as a Beech B200 Super King Air, experienced a serious incident just minutes after departing towards Lelystad in the Netherlands. Witnesses recalled seeing the plane bank sharply and then crash, resulting in a large fireball. Emergency services including Essex Police and the East of England Ambulance Service were dispatched to the scene to manage the situation. Eyewitness accounts indicated the plane's rapid loss of control and subsequent explosion, raising concerns about passenger safety. Authorities reported that a total shutdown of all airport operations was necessitated to facilitate the emergency response. The incident garnered immediate attention, leading the Essex Police to ask the public to steer clear of the area as investigations and rescue efforts were undertaken. Although the exact number of individuals on board is unclear, it was emphasized that multiple ambulances and firefighting units were mobilized in response to the fireball and explosion witnessed by spectators at the airport. As the situation unfolded, the Labour MP for Southend West, David Burton-Sampson, expressed his concern about the incident and requested that the public avoid the vicinity. In the wake of the crash, many questions arose regarding the safety protocols and the condition of the passengers on this medical aircraft, which had reportedly been involved in medical transport earlier in the day. The plane had come from Croatia before heading to Southend. Details surrounding the cause of the crash remain under investigation as the local authorities gather information and assess the area. The local community and families of potential passengers are anxiously awaiting further updates on their loved ones as officials work tirelessly to clarify the circumstances leading to this tragic event. The airport remains closed, and there is a significant response from local medical and rescue services, highlighting the seriousness of the crash and ongoing concerns regarding aviation safety.