NAIROBI, Kenya — A small aircraft crashed in dramatic fashion Sunday afternoon at London Southend Airport, forcing a full shutdown of the busy regional hub and triggering an extensive emergency response.
Authorities described it as a “serious incident,” with dramatic footage showing the plane engulfed in flames and thick black smoke billowing skyward.
The crash occurred shortly before 4:00 p.m. local time, according to Essex Police, who confirmed they were alerted just minutes before the aircraft went down.
The Beechcraft B200, a twin-turboprop model, reportedly went down soon after takeoff.
By evening, the airport had announced a complete suspension of operations “until further notice.” All flights to and from Southend have been cancelled, and passengers were advised to check with their airlines before traveling.
“We are working closely with all emergency services and local authorities to manage the situation,” the airport said in a statement, adding that more updates would follow once the scene had been fully secured.
Police evacuated both a golf club and a rugby club near the crash site as a precautionary measure. The proximity of the wreckage to recreational spaces has raised questions about safety protocols and the flight path from the regional airport, located approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) east of central London.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), UK Transport Minister Heidi Alexander acknowledged the “tragic incident,” saying her office was “closely monitoring developments.”
While no official casualty figures were immediately released, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has been dispatched to examine the wreckage and determine the cause of the crash.
The aircraft, a 12-meter Beechcraft B200, is typically used for private or charter flights and is known for its durability and speed.
However, early reports suggest the crash happened within moments of liftoff—raising speculation of mechanical failure or pilot error, although nothing has been confirmed.
Southend Airport, the sixth largest serving the London region, is a key travel node for passengers looking to avoid the congestion of Heathrow or Gatwick. Sunday’s incident marks one of the most serious air accidents at the facility in recent years.
As investigations continue, officials have urged the public to avoid the area to allow emergency crews to work unhindered.
The scene remains cordoned off, and authorities are expected to issue an update on the status of the airport and the investigation by Monday.
