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The fourth and final body has been recovered from the wreckage of a medical plane crash near Southend Airport, three days after the fatal incident that claimed four lives.
Emergency services concluded the recovery phase today, describing the operation as “complex and delicate”, with efforts led by Essex Police and conducted in tandem with air accident investigators.
The aircraft, operated by Zeusch Aviation, went down at approximately 3.48pm on Sunday, 13 July, shortly after taking off from London Southend Airport. It had just completed a medical repatriation mission, having dropped off a patient in the UK.
Victims Yet to Be Formally Identified
The names of the deceased have not been officially released, but passenger information suggests the victims include:
- Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, 31, a Chilean nurse on her first day in the role
- Dr Matthias Eyl, 46, a German physician
- Two Dutch pilots, names unconfirmed
DNA, fingerprinting, and tattoo analysis are being used to identify the victims due to the condition of the remains.
A crowdfunding campaign in memory of Ms Ortiz was launched on Tuesday, receiving an outpouring of tributes for the young nurse whose life was tragically cut short.
Essex Police and AAIB Investigation Continues
Detective Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin of Essex Police said:
“Our work is very much ongoing away from the site, and our investigation, in parallel with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), continues. The aircraft is now being carefully dismantled to support the next phase of enquiries.”
Southend Airport Set to Fully Reopen
London Southend Airport, which closed immediately after the crash, has confirmed a partial reopening on Wednesday evening, with full operations to resume on Thursday, 17 July.
A spokesperson said:
“Four EasyJet flights will land this evening and Eastern Airways will operate an empty positioning flight. From tomorrow, normal airline operations will resume.”
“Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives on Sunday. We continue to support the air accident investigation team as they carry out their work.”
Operator Expresses Condolences
Dutch operator Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport, issued a statement earlier this week confirming the loss of all four people on board flight SUZ1.
“It is with deep sadness that we confirm there were no survivors,” the company said. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
