Plane Crash Sparks Massive Fireball at London Southend Airport

Southend-on-Sea, Essex, England

A devastating aircraft crash at London Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon triggered a huge fireball and thick black smoke, halting all flight operations and prompting a swift emergency response.

The Incident

At just before 4:00 PM BST, a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, reportedly operated by Zeusch Aviation, crashed moments after takeoff en route to Lelystad, Netherlands. The aircraft had only reached an altitude of around 175 feet before it sharply banked left and nosedived into the ground near the airport perimeter.

Eyewitness John Johnson, 40, from Billericay, described seeing a “huge fireball” erupt as the plane crashed. “It was absolutely horrifying — flames and black smoke filled the sky instantly,” he recounted.

Fireball and Immediate Response

The impact caused a massive explosion, followed by columns of thick black smoke, visible for miles. Emergency services — including airport fire units, Essex Police, multiple ambulances, and even an air ambulance — rushed to the scene within minutes.

Nearby facilities such as the Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club were evacuated as a precaution due to their proximity to the crash site.

✈️ Flight Disruptions

Southend Airport confirmed a “serious incident” and cancelled all four departing flights scheduled for Sunday. Several inbound flights were also diverted to alternate airports.

Authorities issued a public advisory, urging people to avoid the area to allow emergency teams to work without obstruction.

‍ ‍ Eyewitness Testimonies

Several witnesses saw the plane moments before impact. One bystander said, “We had just waved to the crew when the plane suddenly twisted, inverted, and slammed down. A second later, it was engulfed in flames.”

The emotional aftermath left onlookers visibly shaken, with many describing the scene as “shocking” and “tragic.”

❗ Casualties and Ongoing Investigation

As of now, official details on the number of people on board or potential casualties have not been confirmed. A formal investigation is underway to determine the cause of the crash. Updates are expected from both local authorities and aviation investigators in the coming days.

Summary