Southend London plane crash at Airport: Emergency Response Underway
London: A serious incident unfolded at Southend London Airport on Sunday afternoon when a small plane crashed shortly after takeoff, erupting into flames and sending a thick plume of black smoke into the air.
The aircraft, identified by local media as a Beechcraft B200, came down at Southend-on-Sea, about 65 kilometers (40 miles) east of the UK capital. Video footage circulating online shows the 12-meter aircraft engulfed in flames on the tarmac, with emergency services working intensively at the crash site.
According to Essex Police, the alarm was raised just before 4:00 pm local time (1500 GMT). Police, firefighters, and paramedics rushed to the scene and are expected to remain on site for several hours as investigations and safety measures continue.
A statement from Southend London Airport confirmed a “serious incident” and said the airport is coordinating closely with local authorities. “We are working with all emergency services at the scene now and that work will be ongoing for several hours,” Essex Police added.
Local news outlets, citing the BBC, report that the plane crashed soon after taking off from the regional airport. So far, details regarding passengers on board, possible casualties, or the cause of the crash have not been disclosed by the authorities.
Southend-on-Sea: London’s Sixth Largest Airport
Southend London Airport is the sixth largest airport serving the London area, handling regional and international flights. Sunday’s crash has raised concerns about small aircraft safety and emergency response protocols at regional airfields.
The Civil Aviation Authority and the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) are expected to launch a full investigation into the cause of the accident.
Related: Air India Crash 2025
This incident comes shortly after another major aviation tragedy — the Air India crash 2025 investigation that claimed 260 lives in June. A preliminary report recently highlighted fuel cutoff switch issues moments after takeoff.
Ongoing Updates
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area and cooperate with emergency crews while the site remains secured. Travelers planning to use Southend London Airport have been advised to check with airlines for possible delays or diversions.
More information is expected to be released once the situation is under control and a preliminary investigation report is compiled.
