A small plane crashed at London Southend Airport on March 10, 2024, creating a significant fireball and halting all flights at the facility. Emergency services responded promptly to the incident, which involved a general aviation aircraft, although details regarding the flight’s destination and the number of people on board remain unclear.
The airport confirmed the “serious incident” on social media, indicating that operations would be suspended until further notice as authorities investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Initial reports from British media suggest that the aircraft involved was a medical transport jet, specifically a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, which was reportedly en route to the Netherlands.
Witnesses described the moment of the crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff. John Johnson, who was present at the airport with his family, recounted the terrifying scene: “It took off and about three or four seconds after taking off, it started to bank heavily to its left, and then within a few seconds of that happening, it more or less inverted and crashed just head-first into the ground. There was a big fireball.” Images shared on social media captured a plume of fire and black smoke rising from the crash site.
Emergency services, including the airport’s fire department, responded immediately, deploying two fire engines to the scene, followed by local police and ambulance teams. Essex Police received the alert just before 16:00 local time and stated they were collaborating with other emergency responders. “We are working with all emergency services at the scene now and that work will be ongoing for several hours,” the police stated.
Local Member of Parliament David Burton-Sampson urged the public to avoid the area, allowing emergency services to carry out their duties without interference. “My thoughts are with everyone involved,” he expressed, highlighting the seriousness of the incident.
As the investigation unfolds, authorities will focus on determining the cause of the crash and ensuring the safety of the airport’s operations. Flights remain canceled until further notice, affecting numerous travelers at the airport, located approximately 72 kilometers east of London. The incident underscores the potential dangers associated with aviation, even in smaller aircraft, as emergency teams work diligently to manage the aftermath of this tragic event.
