London: A Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, a twin-engine turboprop jet, crashed shortly after takeoff from London Southend Airport at around 4:00 PM BST on Sunday. The aircraft, en route to Lelystad in the Netherlands, erupted into a massive fireball, sending thick black smoke into the sky that was visible across Essex. The crash triggered a swift and extensive emergency response as authorities rushed to contain the situation.
Immediate Response and Safety Measures
Emergency services, including Essex Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, the East of England Ambulance Service, and an air ambulance, were dispatched to the scene immediately after the incident. The area was declared a “serious incident,” and residents were urged to stay away to allow rescue and response teams to operate without hindrance.
Nearby public spaces such as Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club were evacuated as a precaution due to their proximity to the crash site. The airport confirmed significant operational disruption, with all incoming and outgoing flights canceled or diverted for the remainder of the day.
Crash Details and Eyewitness Accounts
Eyewitnesses reported the jet appearing to lose control mid-air, banking sharply before crashing nose-first into the ground. Moments later, a giant fireball rose from the crash site, followed by dense plumes of smoke. Several witnesses described feeling an intense heat wave from the explosion. Some bystanders recalled seeing and even waving to the pilots shortly before the crash, making the event especially haunting for those nearby.
Aircraft Details and Flight Purpose
The crashed aircraft has been identified as a Beech B200 Super King Air, measuring approximately 12 meters in length. It was operated by Zeusch Aviation, a Dutch-based aviation company known for medical evacuation and private charter services. The flight departed Southend at approximately 3:48 PM and was headed for Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands.
While this aircraft typically seats 12 to 13 passengers, the exact number of people on board at the time of the crash remains unconfirmed. It is also unclear whether the flight was operating as a charter or medevac service.
Casualties and Investigation Status
Authorities have not yet released any official information on casualties or injuries. It remains uncertain whether there are any survivors or the number of individuals involved. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been called in to investigate the incident. Specialists will now examine the wreckage, flight recorders (if recovered), weather conditions, and air traffic data to determine the cause of the crash.
Operational Disruption and Airport Status
Following the crash, London Southend Airport suspended all operations. Airlines, including EasyJet, canceled evening services, and passengers have been offered refunds, rebookings, and overnight accommodations. Authorities are working to restore normal operations while ensuring the crash site is thoroughly examined.
Conclusion
The tragic crash at Southend Airport is a sobering reminder of the risks involved in aviation, even for short-haul flights. While emergency services acted swiftly to control the fire and secure the area, questions around what caused the crash and the fate of those on board remain unanswered. As the official investigation gets underway, the public and aviation industry await further updates on the casualties and contributing factors behind this devastating incident.
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Image source: Mint