LONDON: A dramatic scene unfolded at London Southend Airport on Sunday after a small plane crashed shortly after takeoff, sparking a huge fireball and prompting an emergency response. The general aviation aircraft, reportedly about 12 metres in length, plunged headfirst into the ground just moments after departure.
Eyewitnesses described a harrowing incident. John Johnson, who was at the airport with his family, recounted: “It took off, and about three or four seconds after taking off, it started to bank heavily to its left, and then within a few seconds, it more or less inverted and crashed just headfirst into the ground. There was a big fireball.”
Emergency services rushed to the scene, including the airport’s fire brigade, local police, ambulance teams, and fire crews. Essex Police confirmed they were alerted just before 4 p.m. local time to a “serious incident” and began coordinating a major response. As a precaution, nearby facilities including a golf club and a rugby club were evacuated.
The full number of occupants aboard the aircraft has not yet been confirmed, and authorities have yet to release details on the aircraft’s destination or ownership.
London Southend Airport, situated approximately 72 kilometres east of the UK capital, saw several afternoon flights cancelled due to the incident. In a public statement, the airport described it as a “serious incident” and assured that work with emergency services would continue for several hours.
Local Member of Parliament David Burton-Sampson urged the public to avoid the area and allow emergency responders to carry out their duties. “My thoughts are with everyone involved,” he stated.
Investigators are expected to arrive on site to determine the cause of the crash. Updates from local authorities are anticipated as emergency crews complete their recovery and response efforts.
