14-07-2025
Prime Minister pays tribute as four dead after tragic crash at Southend Airport
PRIME Minister Keir Starmer has paid tribute to four people killed in a plane crash at Southend Airport.
Four people, including two pilots and two medical staff, onboard the medical plane bound for the Netherlands died at the scene after the horror crash yesterday afternoon.
All four were foreign nationals, with the flight heading back to its base after dropping a patient off at Southend.
Southend Airport was closed in the immediate aftermath and will remain 'closed until further notice' while Essex Police and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch carry out parallel investigations into the major incident.
Following the news of their tragic deaths, the Prime Minister paid tribute to the victims of the plane crash.
Read more
Southend Airport to stay closed 'until further notice' as four dead after crash
Patient 'dropped off' before fatal plane crash near Southend Airport
Four confirmed dead after tragic plane crash at Southend Airport
Air accident investigators issue statement after horror crash at Southend Airport
In a message on X, formerly Twitter, the Prime Minister said: 'Terrible news that four people tragically lost their lives in yesterday's plane crash at Southend Airport. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones.
'I also want to thank all the emergency responders who attended the scene.'
Essex Police are working to officially confirm the identities of the four who tragically died after the crash. Two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse were among those on board, according to a document which lists passengers, the PA news agency understands.
The aircraft was operated by Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, and used for medical flights to transport patients or organs.
The plane had flown from the Greek capital Athens to Pula in Croatia on Sunday before heading to Southend. It was scheduled to return to Lelystad on Sunday night when it crashed shortly after take-off.
Witnesses told of seeing a 'fireball', while images of fire and black smoke were shared on social media.
Also paying tribute, Bayo Alaba, MP for Southend East and Rochford, said: "It brings me profound sadness to know that four people have lost their lives. My heartfelt condolences go out to their families and loved ones, as well as those across the community who share in their grief.
"I want to recognise the swift response of the emergency services and the team at London Southend Airport, whose professionalism and courage in moments like these does not go unnoticed. As they, and the Air Accident Investigation Branch, complete their work, it is important that we continue to give them the space and time needed to do so.
"Details of memorial events will be finalised in the coming days for residents to pay their respects."
