Plane Crash at London’s Southend Airport, casualties feared

A small aircraft crashed at London Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon, bursting into flames shortly after takeoff and prompting a significant emergency response. Essex Police reported the incident occurred just before 4 p.m. BST, involving a 12-meter general aviation plane, leading to the immediate suspension of all airport operations.

The crash, which resulted in a massive fireball visible from miles away, caused the cancellation of at least four scheduled flights on Sunday, with all operations halted until further notice. Images circulated by British media outlets captured the intense blaze and thick black smoke rising above the airport, located approximately 35 miles east of London. Authorities have yet to release details regarding the number of people on board or their conditions.

A statement from London Southend Airport confirmed the severity of the incident, noting it involved a general aviation aircraft. Emergency services, including Essex Police, fire crews, and ambulances, were swiftly deployed to the scene and continue their operations. The public has been advised to avoid the area to facilitate the ongoing response.

David Burton-Sampson, Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, expressed concern on X, stating, “My thoughts are with everyone involved,” and urged people to stay clear of the airport to allow emergency services to work unimpeded.