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The Irish Sun
3 days ago
- General
- The Irish Sun
Four dead after medical jet ‘corkscrewed in air & nosedived into ground' in fireball crash at Southend Airport
FOUR people are understood to have been killed after a plane corkscrewed in the air and nosedived into the ground at Southend Airport. The crash - involving a small medical aircraft - saw 8 Passengers outside the terminal building at Southend Airport today Credit: PA 8 A plume of black smoke rises from an area near the runway after a small plane crash Credit: Reuters 8 The Beech B200 was set to travel to the Netherlands Credit: UKNIP The Beech B200 Super King Air that was heading for Lelystad in the Netherlands, with an estimated departure time of 3.45pm It is now understood four people were killed in the horror, as reported by The Press Association. A statement last night added: "All flights to and from the airport have been cancelled while police, emergency services and air accident investigators are attending the incident. Read more news "We ask that any passengers due to travel tomorrow (Monday) via London Southend Airport contact their airline for information and advice. "Our thoughts are with those affected by today's events and all passengers impacted by this disruption. "We will restart flight operations as soon as possible and will continue to update the public on developments." It comes after reports of the Most read in The Sun The after crashing shortly after taking off from the strip in Essex. It was equipped with medical systems for transporting patients, although it is unclear whether a patient was onboard. Witnesses described seeing a "huge fireball" just before 4pm, with Essex County Fire and Rescue called to the incident at 3.58pm. Air India victims' families slam 'cover-up' probe as questions remain over possible engine switch confusion They said the The twin-engined turboprop plane can carry around 12 people. John Johnson, who witnessed the crash with his family, said: "We all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us. "The aircraft then turned 180 degrees to face its take-off, departure, powered up, rolled down the runway. "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 of less inverted and "There was a big fireball. Obviously, everybody was in shock in terms of witnessing it. "All the kids saw it and the families saw it. I phoned 999, reported it." He added: "I'd say that we're pretty shaken up. 8 Locals reported seeing a huge plume of smoke following the crash Credit: UKNIP 8 Video footage shows golfers running towards the incident which happened just before 4pm Credit: x 8 The Beech B200 Super King Air can carry up to 12 passengers "I just feel sad for the people who were on the plane and, of course, their loved ones and their family, our thoughts are with them." A bartender at the nearby golf club, which was evacuated following the crash, said he felt "a big heat wave" before seeing a "massive fireball" in the sky. James Philpott "It was more the heat really just kind of hit me as I was sitting there, just like, feel like I'm baking." He continued: "I think everyone was just quite shocked to be honest." I've got a flight booked - what should I do? By Lisa Minot, Head of Travel THE closure of Southend Airport could not have come at a worst time. With the start of the school holidays just a week away, schedules would have ramped up for both low-cost giant easyJet and domestic airline Eastern Airways. At easyJet there is the possibility of diverting flights to its other bases in the south east including Gatwick and Luton. Anyone impacted should immediately contact their airline and make sure they also have all your most up to date contact details. As the closure of the airport was in no way the fault of the airlines there is no compensation due. But airlines do have a duty of care to ensure you are looked after and crucially delivered to your final destination as soon as possible. You are also entitled to a refund but bear in mind if you take this option, your airline will then have no further responsibility. Those abroad who have been unable to return to the UK due to the airport closure should still be provided with food and drink during any delay and overnight accommodation if it is necessary. If your airline does not provide you with vouchers for refreshments or a hotel, you are able to claim any expenses back from the airline but only if the purchases are proportionate and make sure to keep all receipts. If you have travel insurance it is also worth checking to see if you can claim for any other expenses, such as accommodation or tours that you were unable to take. London Southend Airport said in a previous statement: "We can confirm there has been a serious incident at London Southend Airport this afternoon involving a general aviation aircraft. "We are working closely with the local authorities and will be able to provide more information as soon as possible." The cause of the crash is currently unknown. A statement from Essex Police 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." In an update Essex Police said that they have now opened a dedicated online portal and phone line for anyone with information. They added: "Flights at the airport were quickly grounded to ensure work could immediately begin on extinguishing the flames as quickly as possible. "We have put a wide cordon in place to ensure all our emergency service colleagues can carry out their work safely, and we will be doing so overnight and into tomorrow morning." Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: 'In these very early stages it is vital we gather the information we need, and continue supporting the people of Essex. 'Please help us keep our emergency lines open by using these specific channels if you're contacting us about this incident. 'We are working closely with all at the scene, as well as the Air Accident Investigation Branch, to establish what has happened today and why." Essex Police asked the public to avoid the area, and also Two fire crews from Southend, two from Rayleigh Weir and Basildon, and off road vehicles from Billericay and Chelmsford attended the scene. The East of England Ambulance service announced that they had sent four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, four hazardous area response team vehicles, three senior paramedic cars and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance to the scene. 8 Emergency services rushed to the scene Credit: Getty 8 Southend Airport remains closed Credit: Getty
The Irish Sun
4 days ago
- The Irish Sun
All fights cancelled & Southend Airport closed ‘until further notice' after medical jet crashed to ground ‘head-first'
A MAJOR UK airport remains closed following a plane crash yesterday. Southend Airport has shut "until further notice" after a Advertisement 7 A plume of black smoke rises from an area near the runway after a small plane crash Credit: Reuters 7 The Beech B200 was set to travel to the Netherlands Credit: UKNIP The Beech B200 Super King Air that was heading for Lelystad in the Netherlands, with an estimated departure time of 3.45pm. A statement last night added: "All flights to and from the airport have been cancelled while police, emergency services and air accident investigators are attending the incident. "We ask that any passengers due to travel tomorrow (Monday) via London Southend Airport contact their airline for information and advice. "Our thoughts are with those affected by today's events and all passengers impacted by this disruption. Advertisement "We will restart flight operations as soon as possible and will continue to update the public on developments." It comes after reports of the The after crashing shortly after taking off from the strip in Essex. It was equipped with medical systems for transporting patients, although it is unclear whether a patient was onboard. Advertisement Most read in The Sun Witnesses described seeing a "huge fireball" just before 4pm, with Essex County Fire and Rescue called to the incident at 3.58pm. They said the Air India victims' families slam 'cover-up' probe as questions remain over possible engine switch confusion The twin-engined turboprop plane can carry around 12 people, although it has not been confirmed how many were in the plane at the time of the crash. John Johnson, who witnessed the crash with his family, said: "We all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us. Advertisement "The aircraft then turned 180 degrees to face its take-off, departure, powered up, rolled down the runway. "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 of less inverted and "There was a big fireball. Obviously, everybody was in shock in terms of witnessing it. "All the kids saw it and the families saw it. I phoned 999, reported it." Advertisement He added: "I'd say that we're pretty shaken up. "I just feel sad for the people who were on the plane and, of course, their loved ones and their family, our thoughts are with them." 7 Locals reported seeing a huge plume of smoke following the crash Credit: UKNIP 7 Emergency services rushed to the scene Credit: Getty Advertisement 7 Video footage shows golfers running towards the incident which happened just before 4pm Credit: x A bartender at the nearby golf club, which was evacuated following the crash, said he felt "a big heat wave" before seeing a "massive fireball" in the sky. James Philpott "It was more the heat really just kind of hit me as I was sitting there, just like, feel like I'm baking." Advertisement He continued: "I think everyone was just quite shocked to be honest." London Southend Airport said in a previous statement: "We can confirm there has been a serious incident at London Southend Airport this afternoon involving a general aviation aircraft. "We are working closely with the local authorities and will be able to provide more information as soon as possible." The cause of the crash is currently unknown. Advertisement A statement from Essex Police 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." In an update Essex Police said that they have now opened a dedicated online portal and phone line for anyone with information. Advertisement They added: "Flights at the airport were quickly grounded to ensure work could immediately begin on extinguishing the flames as quickly as possible. "We have put a wide cordon in place to ensure all our emergency service colleagues can carry out their work safely, and we will be doing so overnight and into tomorrow morning." Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: 'In these very early stages it is vital we gather the information we need, and continue supporting the people of Essex. 'Please help us keep our emergency lines open by using these specific channels if you're contacting us about this incident. Advertisement 'We are working closely with all at the scene, as well as the Air Accident Investigation Branch, to establish what has happened today and why." Essex Police asked the public to avoid the area, and also Read more on the Irish Sun Two fire crews from Southend, two from Rayleigh Weir and Basildon, and off road vehicles from Billericay and Chelmsford attended the scene. The East of England Ambulance service announced that they had sent four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, four hazardous area response team vehicles, three senior paramedic cars and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance to the scene. Advertisement 7 The Beech B200 Super King Air can carry up to 12 passengers 7 Southend Airport remains closed Credit: Getty
The Independent
4 days ago
- The Independent
Pilots ‘waved to children' before aircraft ‘crashed head first' into ground at Southend Airport
The pilots of a plane that crashed in a 'fireball' waved at children shortly before the collision, a witness has said. Essex Police said they were alerted shortly before 4pm on Sunday to 'reports of a collision involving one 12-metre plane' at Southend Airport and that they remain on the scene of the 'serious incident'. Images posted on social media show a plume of fire and black smoke coming up from the crash site. John Johnson, who was at the airport with his children and wife, said he saw a 'big fireball' after the plane crashed 'head first into the ground'. Mr Johnson, from Billericay, said: 'We all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us. 'The aircraft then turned 180 degrees to face its take-off, departure, powered up, rolled down the runway. '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. Obviously, everybody was in shock in terms of witnessing it. As a precaution because of their proximity to the incident, police said they evacuated the Rochford Hundred Golf Club. A bartender at the golf club, which is next door to the airport, said he felt a 'big heat wave' before looking up to a 'massive fireball' in the sky. James Philpott told the BBC: 'I was just basically in a hut like in the middle of the course and I didn't even see any plane go down or anything and I just felt like a big heat wave come through and I looked up and there was just a massive fireball basically 100 foot in the sky. 'It was more the heat really just kind of hit me as I was sitting there, just like, feel like I'm baking.' He continued: 'I think everyone was just quite shocked to be honest. People were sort of running towards it to see if anyone was injured or anything.' Mr Philpott said he and others were collected from the course and taken back to the clubhouse where they remain now at a 'safe distance' with the club closed. Transport secretary Heidi Alexander said her 'thoughts are with all those involved' in the crash and she is 'receiving regular updates'. In a post on X, she said: 'The emergency services are on scene and are advising the public to avoid the area where possible.' In a statement, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: 'We were called to an incident involving a light aircraft at Southend Airport today at 3.58pm. 'Crews from Southend (two), Rayleigh Weir and Basildon (two), along with off road vehicles from Billericay and Chelmsford attended. 'We are continuing to work at the scene with our emergency services and aviation partners.' The East of England Ambulance Service said 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 the incident. According to the airport's website, four flights scheduled to take off on Sunday afternoon have been cancelled. Southend Airport said in a statement: 'We can confirm there has been a serious incident at London Southend Airport this afternoon involving a general aviation aircraft. 'We are working closely with the local authorities and will be able to provide more information as soon as possible.' Essex Police said they remain on the scene alongside fire and ambulance services.
Daily Record
4 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
'Fireball' plane crash pilots 'waved to children' before plunging to ground seconds after take-off
Adults and children were left in shock after witnessing the horrific crash. The pilots of a light aircraft which crashed in a "huge fireball" on Sunday afternoon were seen waving at children just moments before the horror incident, a witness has claimed. The plane, a Beech B200 Super King Air, crashed shortly after taking off from Southend Airport in Essex at around 4pm on July 13. The medical transport plane was bound for Lelystad, in the Netherlands, having arrived at Southend from Pula, Croatia, the Mirror reports. One man who was at the airport with his family said he saw the plane crashing "head first into the ground". John Johnson, from Billericay, Essex, added that adults and children had waved at the pilots as they prepared to take off. He said: "The aircraft then turned 180 degrees to face its take-off, departure, powered up, rolled down the runway. It took off and about three or four seconds after it 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. Obviously, everybody was in shock in terms of witnessing it. All the kids saw it and the families saw it. I phoned 999, reported it." He added: "I'd say that we're pretty shaken up. I just feel sad for the people who were on the plane and, of course, their loved ones and their family, our thoughts are with them." A member of staff at Rochford Hundred Golf Club, which is next door to the airport, said he felt a "big heat wave" before looking up to see a "massive fireball". The golf club and nearby Westcliff Rugby Club were evacuated due to their proximity to the incident. James Philpott told the BBC: "I was just basically in a hut like in the middle of the course and I didn't even see any plane go down or anything and I just felt like a big heat wave come through and I looked up and there was just a massive fireball basically 100 foot in the sky. It was more the heat really just kind of hit me as I was sitting there, just like, feel like I'm baking." He went on to say: "I think everyone was just quite shocked to be honest. People were sort of running towards it to see if anyone was injured or anything." Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. He added that he and others were picked up from the course and returned to the clubhouse, where they remain at a "safe distance" with the club closed. A statement from Essex County Fire and Rescue Service read: "We were called to an incident involving a light aircraft at Southend Airport today at 3.58pm. "Crews from Southend (two), Rayleigh Weir and Basildon (two), along with off road vehicles from Billericay and Chelmsford attended. We are continuing to work at the scene with our emergency services and aviation partners." Four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, four hazardous area response team vehicles, three senior paramedic cars and an air ambulance were dispatched by East of England Ambulance Service. Writing on social media, David Burton-Sampson, Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, said: "I am aware of an incident at Southend Airport. Please keep away and allow the emergency services to do their work. My thoughts are with everyone involved." Matt Dent, Southend City Council's cabinet member for business, culture, music and tourism, also said in a post: "I am aware of the live serious incident ongoing at London Southend Airport. "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."
Time of India
4 days ago
- General
- Time of India
Beech B200 Super King Air Crash: Is Southend Airport still open? See what passengers need to do now and what flightradar data reveals
Beech B200 Super King Air crash caused a large fireball. The small plane crashed at London Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon, triggering a major emergency response. The aircraft, believed to be a Beech B200 Super King Air, was taking off for a flight to Lelystad in the Netherlands when it lost control and crashed near the runway. The incident led to the immediate closure of the airport, the cancellation of several flights, and the evacuation of nearby areas. Authorities are now investigating the cause of the crash while emergency teams continue work at the site. What Happened to Plane? A small passenger plane crashed at London Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon. The plane exploded into a large fireball, leading to a shutdown of the airport. Emergency services responded immediately to the scene. The aircraft, identified by social media users as a Beech B200 Super King Air, took off at 4 p.m. It was climbing when it banked left, flipped, and crashed headfirst into the ground. The flight was heading to Lelystad, Netherlands. The crash caused a fireball visible from miles away. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Ditch the cinema with boAt Boat Buy Now Undo What We Know About Aircraft? The plane was operated by Zeusch Aviation, a Dutch medical transport company. The aircraft had completed two earlier flights on Sunday. It had also flown in from Croatia earlier in the day. The twin-engine turboprop was around 12 meters long and could carry nine passengers. The number of people onboard has not yet been confirmed. This crash marks the second incident involving a Beechcraft aircraft at Southend, with the last one reported in 1987. Live Events Also Read: New Movie Releases 2025: Here's complete list of upcoming films in cinemas and streaming platforms Emergency Services Respond Emergency crews arrived within minutes. Essex Police said they received reports shortly before 4 p.m. and were working with fire, ambulance, and air rescue services. The response included four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, four Hazardous Area Response Team vehicles, three senior paramedic cars, and the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance. What Flightradar Data Says? Flightradar data showed the plane only reached 175 feet before crashing. Social media videos captured the fireball and a large plume of smoke at the site. Nearby Areas Evacuated Essex Police confirmed evacuations of Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club. These locations were close to the crash site and were cleared as a precaution. John Johnson, an eyewitness at the airport, said, 'It took off, banked left, flipped, and crashed headfirst. Then there was a big fireball.' Bartender James Philpott said people nearby tried to help. He also felt an intense heat wave just before seeing the flames. Also Read: Bill Gates Net Worth Fall: How did Microsoft co-founder lost 51 billion dollars? Here's his new global billionaire ranking and unique pledge What Passengers Need to Do? Southend Airport shut down after the crash. Four easyJet flights were cancelled. Other flights were diverted to Gatwick and Stansted. Passengers already on planes saw the fireball from the tarmac. In a statement, the airport confirmed a 'serious incident' involving a general aviation aircraft. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch is now leading the probe into the cause of the crash. The airport's website confirmed cancellations of all Sunday afternoon flights. Local MP Reaction David Burton-Sampson, MP for Southend West, responded on X (formerly Twitter), saying, 'Please keep away and allow the emergency services to do their work. My thoughts are with everyone involved.' Another user on the platform shared early reports identifying the aircraft as a Beech B200 Super King Air and thanked fellow users for tracking the flight. Investigators will examine flight data and eyewitness reports to determine what caused the aircraft to lose control shortly after takeoff. FAQs What type of aircraft crashed at London Southend Airport? The aircraft was a Beech B200 Super King Air, a twin-engine plane operated by Zeusch Aviation, used earlier for medical transport. Were there any survivors in the Southend plane crash ? As of now, there are no confirmed survivors. Emergency services responded quickly but found no signs of life at the crash site.
