Watch: Huge fireball erupts in sky as small plane crashes after take-off at Southend Airport
The airport said in a statement on social media that the crash involved a 'general aviation aircraft.' Essex Police said they were called just before 4 p.m. to reports of a 12-metre-long plane going down near the runway. Authorities asked people to stay away while crews continue their work.
'We are working with all emergency services at the scene now and that work will be ongoing for several hours,' Essex Police said.
The plane has been identified by tracking services as a Beech B200 Super King Air. According to Flightradar, the aircraft took off from Southend at 3:48 p.m. and was headed to Lelystad in the Netherlands.
Crazy footage from the golf course, on which the plane taking off from Southend London airport appeared to crash.pic.twitter.com/d79o8xff8O
— Phil (@phil_from_NG) July 13, 2025
A man who was at the airport with his family, John Johnson, said he saw the aircraft moments before the crash.
'We all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us,' he told AP. 'The aircraft turned 180 degrees to face its take-off, powered up, rolled down the runway. It took off, and about three or four seconds later, it started to bank heavily to its left. Then it inverted and crashed headfirst into the ground.'
'There was a big fireball,' he said, adding that he immediately phoned 999. 'I'd say we're pretty shaken up. I just feel sad for the people on the plane and their families. Our thoughts are with them.'
Images and video shared on X showed plumes of black smoke rising from the airport, with fire engines and emergency vehicles on site.
🚨 BREAKING: A jet has just crashed at London Southend Airport, causing a MASSIVE fireball
No word on casuaIties
Pray for those on board! https://t.co/gOS7FSF5nS
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) July 13, 2025
Emergency services, including fire crews and ambulances, were seen rushing to the scene. Witnesses described seeing the aircraft bank sharply before hitting the ground and exploding into a fireball.
No details on where the plane was heading or how many people were on board were immediately disclosed.
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