London Southend Airport will remain closed until further notice after a light aircraft crashed on Sunday afternoon, erupting into what witnesses described as a "huge fireball".
Essex Police reported being called to the scene shortly before 16:00 BST after a 12-metre aircraft caught fire at the airfield in Southend-on-Sea.
On its website, the airport confirmed that all flights scheduled for Monday — both departures and arrivals — have been rerouted. Passengers are advised to check with their airlines for the latest updates.
No official information on casualties has been released.
Dutch aviation firm confirms involvement
Dutch operator Zeusch Aviation confirmed its aircraft, operating as flight SUZ1, was involved in the incident. Based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, the company stated it was fully cooperating with authorities and extended its thoughts to all those affected.
The aircraft had earlier flown from Athens, Greece, to Pula, Croatia, before heading to Southend, with a planned return to Lelystad later that evening.
Eyewitnesses describe fireball and immediate aftermath
Witnesses described the terrifying moment the plane came down. John Johnson, 40, from Billericay, Essex, had been at the airport with his wife and children watching planes when he saw the incident unfold.
“We saw the pilots wave and smiled back,” he told the BBC. “It took off quickly, then banked heavily to the left — which was unusual — and seconds later it almost inverted and struck the ground. There was a huge fireball.”
Johnson immediately called emergency services.
James Philpott, a bartender at Rochford Hundred Golf Club nearby, said he felt a sudden "big heatwave" and saw a “massive fireball” in the sky. “Everyone was shocked. People started running towards the crash site to check if anyone needed help,” he added.
Golfers were evacuated from the course due to its proximity, while those in the clubhouse remained inside as it was further away.
Westcliff Rugby Club chairman Pete Jones said those attending a 250-person event at their venue nearby were initially told they might have to evacuate, but police later confirmed it was unnecessary. “We could see smoke rising about a kilometre away,” he said.
Emergency response and ongoing investigation
Essex Police confirmed they are working alongside the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB). Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin emphasized the importance of gathering information swiftly while supporting local residents.
Police urged people to keep emergency lines free by using a dedicated major incident portal for information related to the crash.
The East of England Ambulance Service dispatched four ambulances and an Essex and Herts Air Ambulance to the site. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service also responded promptly.
Officials respond
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander expressed her concern on social media platform X, stating: “My thoughts are with all those involved. I’m receiving regular updates and urge the public to avoid the area.”
Local officials, including Southend West MP David Burton-Sampson and Southend City Council’s Matt Dent, also extended their sympathies to those affected and thanked emergency services for their swift response.
Aircraft details and crash profile
The aircraft involved was identified as a Beech B200 Super King Air, a versatile twin-engine turboprop often used for medical transport, aerial surveys, and cargo operations.
BBC correspondent Tom Symonds noted that witness descriptions of the plane veering sharply left suggested a possible engine issue. He added that past incidents involving this aircraft type had raised concerns over throttle levers slipping, though investigations are ongoing.
Symonds also pointed out that, although capable of flying with one engine, such mechanical failures during takeoff can be catastrophic. Photo by william, Wikimedia commons.