A small passenger plane has crashed in a devastating fireball just moments after taking off from Southend Airport en route to the Netherlands.
The Beech B200 aircraft, bound for Lelystad, went down shortly before 4pm on Sunday afternoon, with dramatic images and video footage flooding social media showing thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
Shocked onlookers described the aircraft swerving violently before nose-diving into the ground and erupting into flames. “It was honestly a surreal experience,” said one mother watching from the Holiday Inn viewing deck with her daughter. “The plane banked sharply left, then just dived and exploded. We can’t believe what we saw.”
Witnesses reported seeing passengers on board waving before take-off. The exact number of casualties is still unclear.
Emergency services rushed to the scene within minutes. Essex Police confirmed they are responding to a “serious incident” alongside fire and ambulance crews. As a safety measure, nearby Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club have been evacuated.
Local resident Dani Hill, who saw the crash from her home, said: “I saw a huge fireball from my window. I’m still shaking. I’ve never seen anything like it.”
Ambulance services dispatched four ambulances, a rapid response unit, and an air ambulance, while fire crews battled the flames. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area.
MP David Burton-Sampson confirmed he was aware of the incident and asked residents to give emergency workers space.
London Southend Airport issued a statement confirming the incident and promised further updates as investigations continue. The cause of the crash has not yet been established.
