Image: UKNIP
London Southend Airport remains closed after a small aircraft crashed in a fireball shortly after takeoff on Sunday afternoon. The Beechcraft B200, operated by Dutch company Zeusch Aviation, went down at around 16:00 BST, prompting an emergency response and grounding of all flights.
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According to BBC News, Essex Police were alerted to reports of a 12-metre plane on fire near the runway. The aircraft, flight SUZ1, had taken off en route to Lelystad in the Netherlands, having earlier flown from Athens to Pula, Croatia.
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft bank sharply to the left before crashing headfirst and erupting into flames. John Johnson, who was at the airport with his family, told the BBC he saw the plane invert before impact: “There was a huge fireball.”
As reported by The Guardian, multiple emergency teams attended the scene, including four fire crews, ambulances, a hazardous area response unit and an air ambulance. No information has been released regarding casualties.
Zeusch Aviation confirmed the incident, stating:
“We can confirm that Zeusch Aviation flight SUZ1 was involved in an accident today at London Southend Airport. We are actively supporting the authorities with the investigation and will provide updates on this page as more information becomes available. Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected.”
The aircraft was equipped for medical transport, but it has not been confirmed whether the flight was a medical mission or if any patients were onboard at the time.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch is leading the investigation. Essex Police and emergency services have urged the public to avoid the area.
Southend Airport has cancelled or rerouted all departures and arrivals for Monday. Travellers are advised to contact their airlines for further updates.
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