Southend tragedies taking 'toll on people'
A Dutch pilot, a co-pilot and a nurse were among four people who died after a small plane crashed at London Southend Airport on Sunday.
The incident came weeks after Leonna Ruka, 7, from Dagenham in east London, was killed when a branch from a large tree in Chalkwell Park fell on five children on 28 June. Her inquest is due to take place on Wednesday.
Southend-on-Sea City Council leader Daniel Cowan said: "Two major tragedies in a short space of time is clearly going to take their toll on people, which is why we're encouraging people - anyone needing help - to reach out for it."
The Labour leader added that the council had been encouraging residents to seek help if they need it "during these difficult times."
"People are coming together and mourning these tragedies as a community, and you can see the outpour of love and support in person and online with communities looking to help and support each other," he said.
London Southend Airport has been closed since the plane crash, and witnesses described a "fireball" type explosion soon after the Netherlands-bound light aircraft had taken off.
A woman who was killed when the plane crashed was working on her first day as a "flight nurse", the BBC understands. Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, was a German citizen born in Chile and had previously worked as a nurse in the public sector.
To find out more about the support on offer to residents, contact Southend-on-Sea City Council.
Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Airport to remain shut after fireball plane crash
Southend tree fall tragedy: What do we know so far?
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