Southend Airport plane crash latest: No survivors in explosion that killed flight nurse on first day of new job

Independent

3 days ago

A Chilean-born nurse has been named as among the four people who were killed in a plane crash at London Southend Airport.
Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, a German citizen born in Chile, was reportedly on her first day as a flight nurse on board the small aircraft when it came down after take-off on Sunday afternoon.
A Dutch pilot and co-pilot, along with one other person, were also on the Beech B200 Super King Air, operated by Zeusch Aviation, which specialises in medical evacuations.
A friend of Ms Ortiz, called Anna Smith, told the BBC it had been her first day as a flight nurse, having previously worked as a nurse in the public sector.
'She was so excited for this new job,' she said.
She added: "She had a giving heart and was humble, and chose a profession that reflected that.
It is understood that the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend, and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has started an investigation with inspectors with expertise in aircraft operations, human factors, engineering and recorded data already dispatched to the crash site.
The airport remains closed.
Nurse killed in plane crash was on her first day, according to reports
Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, 31, is thought to have been on the medical plane when it crashed at Southend Airport.
The Mirror reported that it was her first day working aboard the plane.
A friend told the Mirror: "It was her first day on the job. She was a hospital nurse but then took a job with a private medical firm, she didn't tell anyone, but this was her first day in the job.'
The friend added her wife can barely speak because she is so distraught.
A Gofundme has also been set up to raise cash for Maria's family.
Rebecca Whittaker15 July 2025 05:00
No survivors in plane crash, says Zeusch Aviation
Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, said in a statement on Monday: "It is with deep sadness that we confirm there were no survivors among the people on board flight SUZ1.
"Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
'Zeusch Aviation continues to fully cooperate with the relevant investigative authorities and is providing all possible support to those affected."
Namita Singh15 July 2025 04:31
Four foreign nationals die in Southend Airport Plane crash
Four foreign nationals died on board a plane that crashed after taking off from London Southend Airport, Essex Police said.
The medical transport plane bound for the Netherlands crashed at around 3.48pm on Sunday.
Two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse were among those on board, according to a document which lists passengers, the PA news agency understands.
It is also understood that the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands.
Namita Singh15 July 2025 04:30
Beechcraft King Air B200 costs up to £1.5mn
The plane involved in the incident, Beechcraft King Air B200, costs up to £1.47million, according to sales listings online.
A listing for the aircraft says it can carry 6 passengers and two cabin crew. The length of the cabin is nearly 17ft, according to the listing.
The aircraft cruises at about 285 miles per hour, which is around 290 knots in airspeed.
Rebecca Whittaker15 July 2025 04:00
Simon Calder answers your air travel safety questions – from Boeing worries to the truth about budget airlines
Simon Calder on air travel safety – from Boeing to budget airlines
Travel expert Simon Calder answered readers' questions on flight safety – from how crashes like Southend and the Air India disaster are investigated to what passengers can do to stay safe
Rebecca Whittaker15 July 2025 03:00
'Her charisma, love, humour, and kindness will remain alive in our memories'
The family of Chilean nurse María Fernanda Rojas Ortíz have shared a tribute following her death.
"It is with deep sorrow that we report the tragic passing of our beloved , who passed away today, Sunday, July 13, 2025, in a plane crash in London," the statement shared by Chilean news site T13 reads.
The translated message added: "the news of her passing is immensely difficult to accept; she was a person who marked the passing of those of us who knew her."
"Her charisma, love, humour, and kindness, which characterised her as a person, will remain alive in our memories and in our hearts forever," they added.
Rebecca Whittaker15 July 2025 02:00
Watch: Police believe all four on board Southend plane were foreign nationals
Rebecca Whittaker15 July 2025 01:00
Watch: Flight tracker shows moment Southend plane crashed shortly after takeoff
Rebecca Whittaker15 July 2025 00:30
A fundraiser has been set up to raise money for Maria's family
A Gofundme page has been set up to help raise cash for the family of Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz- a Chilean nurse who died in the crash.
The fundraiser has been set up to raise 7,500 euros for her family.
On the fundraiser set up by Julia Esteban it says translated from Spanish:
'It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of our beloved Feña, in a tragic accident that is still under investigation by the authorities.
'We know that the pain is immense and shared by the many people who loved her and supported her at different stages of her life.
'In the midst of this difficult time, we want to organize ourselves to support her family. This process entails many unexpected expenses—transfers, paperwork, possible travel, and everything necessary to give her a proper send-off.
'We're starting this charity fundraiser among friends, colleagues, and those close to Feña.
'The idea is to raise funds that will then be donated directly to her family, so they can use them for whatever they deem most necessary.
'We will be fully transparent in our reporting of the contributions received and, if the family allows it, how the funds were used.
'Thank you so much for being here, for the love, for the support, and for everything each of you has done during these difficult days.
'We embrace everyone who loved us and we'll stay in touch to support each other and stay organized.
'We love you Feña.'
What we know about the victims as four deaths confirmed
Four foreign nationals died after a 12-metre-long aircraft crashed "head first into the ground" shortly after take-off from London Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon.
Two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse were among those on board, according to a document which lists passengers.
It is also understood that the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands.
Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, a German citizen born in Chile was one of four killed in the plane crash.
It's been reported that it was Maria's first day working aboard the plane.
However, the names of the four who died have not yet been officially released.