UK: Small Aircraft Crashes During Takeoff at Southend Airport, Thick Black Smoke Engulfs the Sky
London, UK – A small commercial aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff at London’s Southend Airport on Sunday evening, sending a thick plume of black smoke into the sky and causing panic in the surrounding area. The aircraft involved in the incident was identified as a Beech B200 Super King Air, which was scheduled to fly to Lelystad, a city in the Netherlands. The crash occurred around 4 PM local time, shortly after the plane lifted off the runway.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a loud explosion moments after the aircraft attempted to take flight. This was immediately followed by the sight of intense flames and dense smoke rising above the crash site, which caused alarm among onlookers and airport staff. Several videos and images shared on social media show large clouds of black smoke billowing into the sky, creating a disturbing scene that quickly drew public attention.
Emergency response teams, including firefighters, police, and paramedics, arrived at the scene promptly. Essex Police confirmed that they received reports of the crash just after 4 PM and dispatched all available resources to manage the situation. According to a police statement, the crashed aircraft was approximately 12 meters in length, and rescue operations are expected to continue for several hours. Authorities have urged the public to stay away from the crash site to ensure the safety of emergency personnel and to avoid disrupting ongoing rescue and investigation efforts.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has been notified, and investigators are en route to determine the cause of the crash. So far, officials have not confirmed how many passengers or crew members were aboard the plane at the time of the incident. There have also been no confirmed reports of fatalities or injuries, although investigations are still underway.
Southend West Member of Parliament David Burton-Sampson took to social media to express concern and support. “I am aware of the incident at Southend Airport. Please avoid the area and allow emergency services to carry out their vital work. My thoughts are with everyone affected,” he wrote.
The impact of the crash also led to precautionary evacuations of nearby areas, including the Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club, as a safety measure. Airport authorities are working closely with local law enforcement and emergency teams to secure the area and assess the damage.
Flight tracking website FlightRadar24 confirmed that the aircraft crashed within moments of takeoff. Aviation analysts suggest that the exact cause of the crash will only be determined after a thorough investigation by the appropriate aviation safety bodies.
Passengers scheduled to travel through Southend Airport are advised to check with their airlines for updates, as flight operations may experience temporary disruptions due to the incident.
Authorities have assured the public that more information will be shared as soon as it becomes available. Meanwhile, rescue operations, debris clearance, and a comprehensive investigation remain the top priorities at the site.
