A small aircraft crashed at London Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon, which created a Fireball like situation leading to a large-scale emergency response and significant disruption to airport operations. The aircraft, reportedly a 12-metre general aviation plane, burst into flames shortly after the incident. The images and videos of the crash are making rounds on social media showing a massive fire blow and thick fumes of smoke rising from the crash site.
The crash occurred shortly before 4 PM BST and in efforts to bring the situation to control, arrangements for an immediate response from Essex Police were made. The police confirmed they remain on the scene and that emergency operations would continue for several hours. The police urged the public to avoid the area, while they work with other emergency services to manage the situation.
The East of England Ambulance Service has also stepped forward and deployed an extensive response team, including four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, four Hazardous Area Response Team vehicles, three senior paramedics, and even the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance. Meanwhile, the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service dispatched fire crews from Southend, Rayleigh Weir, and Basildon, supported by off-road units from Billericay and Chelmsford.
There’s still no details on the exact type of aircraft that got into the accident, social media users and aviation enthusiasts have suggested it could be a Beech B200 Super King Air, a twin-engine turboprop typically used for private, business, and air ambulance services. Authorities have not disclosed any official details of the aircraft or the number of passengers or their condition as of yet.
A spokesperson for Southend Airport confirmed the incident involved a general aviation aircraft and stated that they are cooperating with local emergency services. As a result of the crash, the airport suspended all operations until further notice. It is also displayed on the official website that at least four to five international flights were cancelled on Sunday afternoon.
Police also evacuated nearby venues, including Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club, as a precaution due to their closeness to the crash site. Investigations are going on as the news spreads, and more details are expected to be released as the authorities complete their initial assessment of the wreckage and any onboard data.
The incident has reignited concerns over general aviation safety and airport preparedness for such emergencies, especially at smaller international airports like Southend, located approximately 35 miles (56 km) east of London.