London: Small Plane Crashes in Fireball at Southend Airport
The plane, operated by Zeusch Aviation, had arrived from Athens via Pula, Croatia, and was en route to Lelystad, Netherlands.
ANOTHER PLANE CRASHES: A catastrophic plane crash at London Southend Airport on Sunday, July 13, 2025, has left the aviation community and local residents in shock. A Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, reportedly a medical transport jet, crashed moments after takeoff at approximately 3:48 PM, erupting into a massive fireball and sending plumes of black smoke into the sky. The incident prompted an immediate response from emergency services and led to the indefinite closure of the airport.
Essex Police were alerted to the “serious incident” shortly before 4:00 PM, confirming that the crash involved a 12-metre plane. Witnesses described a harrowing scene, with the aircraft banking sharply to the left seconds after takeoff, inverting, and plunging headfirst into the ground. John Johnson, a local resident at the airport with his family, recounted, “It took off, and about three or four seconds later, it started to bank heavily to its left, then crashed head-first into the ground. There was a big fireball.”
Assam: Unwed Mother Allegedly Sells Newborn for Rs 50,000 in Sivasagar
The plane, operated by Zeusch Aviation, had arrived from Athens via Pula, Croatia, and was en route to Lelystad, Netherlands. While it remains unconfirmed whether the flight was conducting a medical evacuation or had patients on board, British media reported the aircraft was equipped for patient transport. Tragically, the sole occupant, the pilot, was killed in the crash.
Emergency services, including Essex County Fire and Rescue, East of England Ambulance Service, and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance, descended on the scene. Four ambulances, four hazardous area response team vehicles, and multiple fire crews worked to secure the area, with forensic units and air accident investigators now examining the wreckage to determine the cause of the crash.
Assam’s Gir Cow Scam: Allegations of Corruption and Mismanagement Rock BJP-Led Govt
The incident led to the cancellation of all flights to and from Southend Airport, with EasyJet diverting its remaining flights to alternative airports. A police cordon was established, and nearby Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club were initially evacuated as a precaution, though the rugby club’s evacuation was later deemed unnecessary.
Witnesses, including families and plane spotters, expressed their horror. Ben Guppy, a 34-year-old father watching from a nearby Holiday Inn with his 15-month-old daughter, described the plane tilting left at around 50 meters before crashing violently. “My daughter was pointing at it, and then it listed to the left. I thought, ‘Am I dreaming?’” he told reporters. Another witness, James Philpott, felt a “big heat wave” and saw a “massive fireball 100 feet in the sky” from a nearby golf course.
Also Read- IAF Jaguar Fighter Jet Crashes in Rajasthan’s Churu, Both Pilots Killed
David Burton-Sampson, Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, urged residents to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work, stating, “My thoughts are with everyone involved.” Transport Minister Heidi Alexander also noted she was closely monitoring the situation.
Southend Airport, located 45 miles east of London, remains closed until further notice as investigations continue. The aviation community awaits answers on the cause of the crash, raising questions about safety protocols at regional airports. Authorities have urged the public to refrain from speculation and to respect the ongoing investigation.
The crash has left a profound impact on the local community, with social media flooded with images and videos of the fiery aftermath. As the investigation unfolds, the focus remains on supporting those affected and ensuring such a tragedy is not repeated.
