Southend Airport to remain closed after ‘fireball' crash
Essex Police said they were alerted shortly before 4pm on Sunday to 'reports of a collision involving one 12-metre plane' at the airport, calling it a 'serious incident' although there has been no confirmation of the number of casualties.
Advertisement
Images posted on social media showed a plume of fire and black smoke coming up from the crash site, while witnesses described seeing a 'fireball'.
Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in The Netherlands, confirmed its SUZ1 flight had been 'involved in an accident' at London Southend Airport.
The statement said the company was 'actively supporting the authorities with the investigation', adding: 'Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected.'
Zeusch Aviation's website says the plane can be used for medical flights to transport patients or organs.
Advertisement
It has also been deployed for aerial mapping flights.
The plane had flown from the Greek capital Athens to Pula in Croatia on Sunday before heading to Southend. It was scheduled to return to Lelystad on Sunday night.
The airport announced on Sunday night it was closed until further notice, with all arriving and departing flights cancelled.
Passengers booked to travel on Monday are advised to contact their airline.
Advertisement
There were scheduled to be 20 easyJet flights and two Eastern Airways flights departing from or arriving at the airport on Monday.
Southend Airport said: 'Our thoughts are with those affected by today's events and all passengers impacted by this disruption.
'We will restart flight operations as soon as possible and will continue to update the public on developments.'
EasyJet said the company's remaining flights to and from the airport had been 'diverted to alternative airports or are no longer able to operate', according to Sky.
Advertisement
John Johnson, who was at the airport with his children and wife on Sunday, said they saw a 'big fireball' after the plane crashed 'head first into the ground'.
Mr Johnson, from Billericay, told the PA news agency: 'We all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us.
'The aircraft then turned 180 degrees to face its take-off, departure, powered up, rolled down the runway.
'It took off and about three or four seconds after taking off, it started to bank heavily to its left, and then within a few seconds of that happening, it more or less inverted and crashed just head first into the ground.
Advertisement
'There was a big fireball. Obviously, everybody was in shock in terms of witnessing it.'
He said he felt 'shaken up' and his thoughts were with the people on the plane and their loved ones.
As a precaution, because of their proximity to the incident, police said they were evacuating the Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club but rugby club chairman Pete Jones said it had not been necessary.
A bartender at the golf club, which is next door to the airport, said he felt a 'big heat wave' before looking up to a 'massive fireball' in the sky.
James Philpott told the BBC: 'I was just basically in a hut like in the middle of the course and I didn't even see any plane go down or anything and I just felt like a big heat wave come through and I looked up and there was just a massive fireball basically 100 foot in the sky.
'It was more the heat really just kind of hit me as I was sitting there, just like, feel like I'm baking.'
He continued: 'I think everyone was just quite shocked to be honest.
I'm aware of the tragic incident at Southend Airport this afternoon. My thoughts are with all those involved.
The emergency services are on scene and are advising the public to avoid the area where possible.
I am monitoring the situation closely and receiving regular updates.
— Heidi Alexander MP (@Heidi_Labour)
July 13, 2025
'People were sort of running towards it to see if anyone was injured or anything.'
In a post on X, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander described the incident as 'tragic', adding that her 'thoughts are with all those involved' and that she was 'monitoring the situation and closely receiving regular updates'.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said crews from Southend, Rayleigh Weir and Basildon, along with off road vehicles from Billericay and Chelmsford attended the incident.
Four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, four hazardous area response team vehicles, three senior paramedic cars and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance were also sent to the scene, the East of England Ambulance Service said.
Posting on X, David Burton-Sampson, Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, said: 'I am aware of an incident at Southend Airport.
'Please keep away and allow the emergency services to do their work.
'My thoughts are with everyone involved.'
Southend Airport said the incident involved a 'general aviation aircraft' and the airport was 'working closely with the local authorities'.
Essex Police have set up a dedicated public portal where people can contact them about the crash at: https://esxpol.uk/LIbaz.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
26 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
TSA warns travelers about prohibited carry-on items
By Published: Updated: TSA has reminded travelers that liquid restrictions are still in place, despite some policies being lifted in recent weeks. The organization issued a warning on X alerting customers that liquids, gels and aerosols must be 3.4oz or less in carry-on bags. Travelers have been divided over the change, primarily because of their hatred for the liquid limitations after personal experiences. 'TSA steals and ruins what's left of a vacation. I had a jar of honey from France, less than 3.4 oz. You should have seen the agents eyes lite up as she stole my only jar. They laughed and took it home,' an X user claimed. 'I'd rather take my shoes off if it means I can bring the whole bottle of my specialty shampoo in my carry on without having to ration it out on a two week trip,' another person wrote. After years of liquid limit frustration, that rule could soon go away now that the Department of Homeland Security is questioning the limit. Like the former 'shoes-off' policy, the beverage limits were enforced by TSA in 2006. It was one of several rules created in response to the September 11 attacks. However, the liquid limit was inspired by a 2006 liquid bomb plot in the UK, which put thousands of lives at risk. The foiled plan was for terrorists to place liquid bombs disguised as soft drinks on at least seven transatlantic flights that were set to explode midflight. If the first phase of the plan was a success, they would then initiate attacks on skyscrapers in London's Canary Wharf, the Greenwich foot tunnel, nuclear power stations, oil refineries and gas terminals. The plan was not a success and it led to the arrest of several criminals, many of which were sentenced to life in prison. But the bomb plot was enough for TSA to initiate immediate action, leading to the liquid limit for everything from food and drinks to hair products. While some airports in Europe had scrapped the rule in recent years, they returned last year after new security scanners experienced a 'technical issue.' The carry-on liquid limit is back in limbo in the US due to opinions over the policy from Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. 'I will tell you, I mean, the liquids [rule] I am questioning,' Noem told NewsNation chief Washington Correspondent Blake Burman at the inaugural Hill Nation Summit. 'So that may be the next big announcement is what size your liquids need to be. We're looking at it.' TSA has already implemented a change for 10 US airport security experiences, which includes the addition of new expedited lanes and discounts to 'enhance the travel experience for members of the U.S. military community.' TSA has also begun offering a $25 discount on TSA PreCheck enrollment for spouses of military and uniformed service members.
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
Esta rules, phone searches and simple travel hacks: Everything you need to know about US travel in 2025
The US is on sale this summer. Even the most guarded aviation executive concedes that bookings for transatlantic flights are 'soft'. At a time when airlines would hope to charge upwards of £1,000 for a round-trip from the UK to the US, prices are being slashed to fill seats. From London Heathrow to New York JFK on 1 August for a fortnight, Virgin Atlantic wants only £549 return. For a much longer trip on British Airways from Heathrow to Denver, I paid just £620. These are absurd fares for peak summer flights. The catch is: when you touch down, things may be rather different from your last visit. As soon as Donald Trump returned to the White House, he signed an executive order demanding that foreigners should be 'vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible' on arrival. Since then, some high-profile deportations of travellers deemed not suitable for admission have taken place. LGBTQ+ travellers, as well as those who are politically active, may have particular concerns. These are the key questions and answers. Will I be able to get an Esta without too much trouble? Probably – and even if you have no immediate plans to visit the US you should consider enrolling as soon as possible for the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (Esta), to swerve an impending price rise. After a 50 per cent price hike in 2022, the current $21 (£16) fee is set almost to double to $40 (£30), though no date has yet been set. The Esta scheme came into effect in 2009. These essential online permits are usually granted within a few hours. An Esta gives permission to travel to the United States for business or tourism for stays of up to 90 days without a visa. Note that it does not guarantee entry; as the Australian government advises its citizens: 'You can be refused entry if you provide false information or can't satisfy the officials you're visiting for a valid reason.' The authorities may ask to see your return ticket or one onward to a country that is not Canada, Mexico or a Caribbean nation, and demand proof you have enough money to support yourself during your stay. What if I have been to Cuba? It depends when you were on the island. At the end of his first term, on 12 January 2021, President Trump designated Cuba a 'state sponsor of terrorism'. Anyone who is found to have visited Cuba on or after this date is not eligible for Esta and must apply for a visa. Getting a US visa is a long, cumbersome and expensive process. Travellers with fresh passports have not reported any problems. Any other 'no-go' countries? Iran, Iraq, Libya, North Korea, Somalia, Sudan, Syria and Yemen; any visit since March 2011 disqualifies you from Esta. What if I am a transgender person? In an Executive Order, President Trump instructed: 'It is the policy of the United States to recognise two sexes, male and female. These sexes are not changeable and are grounded in fundamental and incontrovertible reality. 'Gender ideology' replaces the biological category of sex with an ever-shifting concept of self-assessed gender identity, permitting the false claim that males can identify as and thus become women and vice versa.' It is widely believed that arrivals must have travel documents corresponding to their birth gender. But the Customs and Border Protection agency (CBP) says: 'A foreign traveler's gender as indicated on their passport and their personal beliefs about sexuality do not render a person inadmissible.' How onerous is the arrival process? Many people find it slower (I waited 90 minutes at New York JFK in May) and more thorough than before. Immediately upon taking office, President Trump ordered much tougher controls on 'all aliens seeking admission to the United States,' demanding they are 'vetted and screened to the maximum degree possible'. Paul Charles, chief executive of travel consultancy The PC Agency, has flown several times in the last two months to different US ports of entry: Miami, Chicago and New York. He says: 'Surprisingly, I was straight through – and I wasn't first off the plane. It was very smooth. Now, that's in a slightly less busy period. If you're travelling during July and August, it's peak, so chances are you will have to wait longer when you arrive at immigration. They're asking more questions.' More in-depth questioning takes up time, which helps explain some very long waits. Paul Charles says one time-saving practice has been adopted: 'They're not stamping passports really anymore because they have all your details digitally from your Esta application.' Bear in mind that if you are transiting to another country, for example flying London-Miami-Lima, you must clear CBP checks as though you were planning to stay in the US for months. Will I have my phone examined? 'Officials may ask to inspect your electronic devices, emails, text messages, and social media activity,' the Foreign Office warns. 'If you refuse, they can delay or deny your entry.' Last year there was a one in 10,000 chance of having your social media history examined. That means from every 30 wide-bodied jets arriving from abroad to the US, one passenger will have their social media scrutinised. The proportion has probably increased. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) says: 'Officers may search a traveler's mobile phone, computer, camera, or other electronic devices during the inspection process. 'All travelers are obligated to present their electronic devices and the information resident on the device in a condition that allows for the examination of the device and its contents. If the electronic device cannot be inspected because it is protected by a passcode or encryption or other security mechanism, that device may be subject to exclusion, detention, or other appropriate action or disposition. 'Additionally, the traveler may face longer processing times to allow for CBP to access the contents of the device.' There are two levels of search, according to the CBP: 'A basic search generally entails an officer reviewing the contents of the device manually without the assistance of any external equipment. 'An advanced search is any search in which an officer connects external equipment to an electronic device not merely to gain access to the device, but to review, copy, and/or analyse its contents.' The CBP says only 10 per cent of device searches are 'advanced'. Any hacks to make the experience easier? Travel to the US via Ireland. At Dublin and Shannon airports, passengers bound for the US are ' pre-cleared ' by CBP officials. You check in as usual, go through one universal security check and a separate enhanced inspection, and then are examined at what is effectively the US frontier. Any problems can be addressed while you are still on Irish soil, rather than at a US airport where you are at risk of deportation. If you are going to be rejected, better for this to happen before you have taken off. The vast majority of travellers will be passed for boarding, and at the end of the transatlantic are treated as domestic arrivals – with no wait, unlike the tired masses queuing for CBP checks. Some good news? For flights from US airports, it is no longer necessary to remove your shoes at security. The Homeland Security secretary, Kristi Noem, said: 'Ending the 'Shoes-Off' policy is the latest effort DHS is implementing to modernize and enhance traveler experience across our nation's airports. 'We expect this change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience. 'This initiative is just one of many the Trump administration is pursuing to usher in the President's vision for a new Golden Age of American travel.'
The Independent
an hour ago
- The Independent
What you should know before travelling with any medication
As summer holidays begin, many travellers are packing more than just swimsuits and sunscreen – for millions, medicines are essential. But taking them abroad isn't always simple. From legal pitfalls to temperature-sensitive drugs, here's how to travel safely and legally with your medication. Know the law Medicines that are legal in the UK can be restricted or even banned in other countries. Having a valid prescription doesn't guarantee you can take a medicine into another country. For example, Nurofen Plus, which contains codeine (an opioid painkiller), is prohibited in countries like Egypt, Indonesia and the UAE. Even common cold remedies containing decongestants like pseudoephedrine can land you in trouble in places like Japan and South Korea. This is because pseudoephedrine can be used to make methamphetamine ('speed'). Likewise, many stimulant ADHD drugs are also banned from these countries. Some countries have restrictions on the amount of medication that you are allowed to bring into the country, usually a maximum of a three-month supply. Travellers often overlook how strict customs regulations can be regarding medications. Even if prescribed for a valid medical reason, carrying a prohibited drug can lead to confiscation (leaving you without essential treatment), fines (especially in countries with tough drug laws) and detention or arrest in rare but serious cases. If you're travelling with certain controlled drugs – such as opioids, stimulants or psychotropic substances – you may need to apply for an export licence from the UK Home Office. This is typically required when carrying a supply of three months or more. Examples of controlled drugs include diazepam (for anxiety and muscle spasms), codeine and morphine (for pain), amphetamines (for ADHD) and temazepam (for insomnia). Before you travel, check whether your medicine is affected by any of these restrictions. Use the country's embassy website or the UK government's travel advice to check the rules of your destination country. This should provide guidance on whether you simply need a copy of your prescription, a doctor's letter or a special import certificate (some countries require official documentation even for personal use). The UK government advises carrying controlled drugs or any drugs that might be restricted in your hand luggage. You should take along a prescription or a signed letter from your doctor detailing your medication, dosage and travel dates. Ensure you take sufficient supplies for the duration of your trip and include extras for unexpected delays, damage or loss. Store your medication properly It might be tempting to save space by transferring pills or liquids into smaller containers or pill organisers. While this can be convenient, it's not always advisable. Customs officials may not recognise unlabelled containers, increasing the chance of delays or confiscation. Some medications are sensitive to light, air or temperature, and must remain in their original packaging to stay effective. For example, HRT (hormone replacement therapy) sprays like Lenzetto must not be decanted. These products rely on precise metered dosing and specialised packaging to deliver the correct amount of hormone. Transferring them to another container could result in incorrect dosing or loss of potency. Similarly, GTN (glyceryl trinitrate) tablets, used to treat angina, should always be stored in their original glass bottle. The active ingredient can evaporate if exposed to air, reducing the tablets' effectiveness. You might be worried about the 100ml liquid in hand luggage restriction – with a doctor's letter certifying the need for this medicine, you should be able to take larger amounts of liquid medicine through security. Medicines should always be kept in their original packaging with labels intact. When in doubt, ask your pharmacist whether your medication can be safely repackaged for travel. It's also important to split your supply of medicines between bags (if more than one is used) in case one is lost. Tablets and capsules can sometimes be placed in a pill organiser for daily use, but always carry the original box or prescription label as backup. Some medicines require refrigeration – like Wegovy and Ozempic (semaglutide) injections for weight loss or insulin. Usually, unopened Wegovy pens and insulin preparations should be stored between 2°C and 8°C in a fridge. Once out of the fridge, they can be kept at room temperature (up to 25°C) for up to 28 days, but must be protected from heat and sunlight. High temperatures, such as in direct sunlight or a hot car, can damage insulin. When travelling, use an insulated travel case or cool pack, but avoid placing pens or other medicines directly next to ice packs to prevent freezing. Airlines generally do not provide refrigeration or freezer storage for passenger items, including medicines, due to space and liability concerns, but it's worth contacting them to see if they can help with arrangements for storage. Inspect insulin for crystals after flying – if any are present, it should be discarded. You can bring needles and injectable medicines like EpiPens (for allergies), insulin or Wegovy in your hand luggage. But it's important to carry a doctor's note stating your medical condition and the necessity of the medication, and a copy of your prescription. You should also declare them at airport security. Security officers may inspect these items separately, so allow for extra time going through security. Contact your airline for any specific rules on needles and injectable medicines. Always carry such medicines and medical devices in your hand luggage – checked bags can be lost or exposed to extreme temperatures. Don't skip doses Tempting as it may be to leave your medication behind for a short trip, doing so can be risky. Stopping treatment – even temporarily – can lead to relapse or worsening of symptoms (especially for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension or depression). For medicines like antidepressants or opioids, people may start feeling withdrawal effects. You're also at risk of reduced effectiveness if you miss doses of medicines that require consistent levels in your bloodstream. If you're considering a break from your medication, consult your doctor first. They can advise whether a short pause is safe or help you plan a travel-friendly regimen. Take the right documents While showing your NHS app to border officials may help demonstrate that a medicine is prescribed to you, it's not always sufficient, especially when travelling with restricted or controlled drugs and injectable medicines. Most countries require a copy of your prescription and a doctor's letter confirming the medication is for personal use. Your doctor is not legally obliged to issue this letter, but most will do so upon request. It's best to ask at least one to two weeks in advance, as some practices may charge a fee or require time to prepare the documentation. Travelling with medication doesn't have to be stressful, but it does require planning. With the right preparation, you can enjoy your holiday without compromising your health or running afoul of foreign laws.
