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A tragic air disaster has claimed the lives of four people after a small aircraft crashed in a fireball at London Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon.
Eyewitnesses described scenes of “pandemonium” as the Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, operated by Dutch company Zeusch Aviation, plummeted to the ground shortly after takeoff at around 4:00pm. The aircraft exploded on impact, sending thick black smoke billowing across the Essex skyline and forcing the closure of the airport.
Emergency Response
Emergency services rushed to the scene within minutes. Southend Airport’s own fire service was joined by additional fire engines, paramedics, and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.
The Essex Police confirmed that four people were found deceased at the crash site. In a statement, Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said:
“We are working closely with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) to determine the cause of this devastating incident. The area remains cordoned off and will be for some time. Our thoughts are with the families of those who lost their lives.”
Eyewitness Accounts
Families staying at the nearby Holiday Inn, which overlooks the airport’s runway, were among the first to witness the horror unfold.
Sunny Cook, 20, said:
“There was smoke everywhere and at first I thought it was just a grass fire. But then I saw the wreckage – it was like a scene from a disaster movie.”
John Johnson, 40, who had been plane-watching with his children, described how the pilots waved to families on the ground moments before the crash:
“The plane took off, then banked sharply left. It suddenly flipped into a nosedive and went down in a massive fireball.”
One witness added:
“It felt like we were in a bad dream. I saw people crying, children being comforted. It was surreal.”
Victims and Aircraft Details
Zeusch Aviation confirmed that the aircraft involved was registered PH-ZAZ, and that it was configured for medical and transplant transport, though it has not been confirmed if it was carrying patients at the time.
The twin-propeller aircraft had recently arrived in the UK from Athens via Pula, Croatia.
According to Zeusch Aviation:
“We are cooperating fully with investigators. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of all those affected.”
Disruption and Investigation
The crash forced the immediate closure of Southend Airport, with all commercial flights cancelled until further notice. Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club were also evacuated as a precaution due to their proximity.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander issued a statement on Sunday evening:
“I’m aware of the tragic incident at Southend Airport. My thoughts are with those affected. I’m receiving updates from the scene and urge people to avoid the area.”
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a full investigation. FlightRadar24 data shows the aircraft had been airborne for just a few seconds before it veered left and crashed.
Community in Mourning
Southend MP David Burton-Sampson described the incident as “heartbreaking” and praised the emergency services for their swift response.
An airport employee, who asked not to be named, said:
“We’re devastated. It’s a small community here and we’re like family. This has shaken us all.”
Flight Impact
Holidaymakers like Oliver Zammit and Konnie Culshaw-Markham, who had planned to fly to Malta in memory of Oliver’s late father, were among many travellers affected.
“It’s disappointing our trip was cancelled, but we understand. This is much bigger than us,” Oliver said.
London Southend Airport remains closed. Travellers are advised to check with airlines before travelling and avoid the area while investigations continue.
Anyone with information or footage of the incident is urged to contact Essex Police using reference 826 of July 13.
