A small aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff at Southend Airport in the United Kingdom on Sunday, triggering a massive emergency response and the cancellation of all scheduled flights.
The aircraft, identified as a Beechcraft King Air B200, was en route to Lelystad in the Netherlands when the incident occurred just before 4 p.m. Witnesses reported seeing a fireball erupt into the sky moments after departure.
Police confirmed the crash involved a 12-metre aircraft and said emergency crews from multiple services were at the scene. “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,” the statement read. Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area while investigations continue.
Local officials expressed concern and support. “My thoughts are with all those involved, and with the emergency services currently responding to the incident,” said Matt Dent, a Southend City Council cabinet member.
All outgoing flights from the airport were cancelled in the wake of the crash, including EasyJet services to Paris, Alicante, Faro, and Palma de Mallorca. The airline confirmed that evening departures were either diverted or cancelled entirely.
Although Monday’s flights remain listed as “on time,” airport operations remain under review pending further safety assessments.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of individuals on board the aircraft or if there were any casualties. Investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing.
