Police update from 'fireball' plane crash at UK airport
Police have issued an update from the scene of a horror plane crash at a UK airport.
Initial reports from the incident at Southend Airport in Essex suggest the light aircraft, which was travelling to the Netherlands, plunged to the ground during take-off on Sunday, July 13.
Witnesses claim to have saw a "huge fireball" as plumes of black smoke billowed into the sky at around 4pm, the Mirror reports.
It is not yet known how many people were on board. Essex Police, who are in attendance with all emergency services, have said the crash is a "serious incident", and warned they will be on scene "for several hours" as they urged locals to avoid the area.
A statement from the force reads: "We remain on the scene of a serious incident at Southend Airport. We were alerted shortly before 4pm to reports of a collision involving one 12-metre plane.
"We are working with all emergency services at the scene now and that work will be ongoing for several hours. We would please ask the public to avoid this area where possible while this work continues.
"As a precaution due to their proximity to the incident, we are evacuating the Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club. Updates will be issued as soon as is possible."
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Local councillor Matt Dent shared on social media: "At present all I know is that a small plane has crashed at the airport. My thoughts are with all those involved, and with the emergency services currently responding to the incident."
East of England Ambulance Service said in a statement: "Four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, four Hazardous Area Response Team vehicles, three senior paramedic cars and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance have been sent to Southend Airport responding to reports of an incident involving an airplane."
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