A serious aviation incident occurred on Sunday afternoon at London Southend Airport after a small aircraft crashed and burst into flames, prompting a swift emergency response and the cancellation of scheduled flights.
According to Essex Police, the incident involved a 12-metre aircraft that was reported to be on fire shortly before 16:00 BST. Emergency services, including fire crews and police, rushed to the scene as plumes of smoke billowed from the wreckage.
The airport confirmed the crash, describing it as a “serious incident,” and noted that it is working closely with local authorities and emergency services to manage the situation. Four flights that were scheduled to depart on Sunday afternoon were cancelled, with airport authorities advising that further updates would be shared as soon as possible.
Eyewitness John Johnson, 40, from Billericay, was at the airport with his wife and children to watch aircraft activity when the crash occurred. He described seeing the aircraft taxi and take off before it began to bank sharply to the left shortly after liftoff.
“I said to my wife, that’s unusual,” Johnson told the BBC. “Within a few seconds, the aircraft almost inverted and hit the ground. There was a huge fireball.”
Johnson immediately called emergency services after witnessing the crash. Crews from Southend, Rayleigh Weir, Basildon, Billericay, and Chelmsford attended the scene, working to contain the fire and secure the site.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service confirmed their teams arrived at 15:58 and have since been collaborating with aviation partners and other emergency agencies.
The Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, David Burton-Sampson, expressed his concern on social media, writing, “My thoughts are with everyone involved.” Similarly, Matt Dent, cabinet member for business and tourism at Southend City Council, shared his sympathies with those affected.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area as the investigation and recovery efforts continue. Further information on the cause of the crash or potential casualties has not yet been released.
