Latest news with #Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz
Sky News
4 days ago
- Sky News
Southend Airport partially reopens after plane crash which killed four people
Southend Airport has partially reopened days after a plane crash that killed four people. Flights to and from the airport in Essex had been suspended since Sunday afternoon when a medical transport aircraft crashed moments after taking off. A statement from the airport on Wednesday read: "London Southend Airport is today partially reopening for a small number of flights, following Sunday's tragic air accident and subsequent closure. "Four easyJet flights will land at London Southend Airport this evening (Wednesday 16 July). Eastern Airways will also operate an empty positioning flight. "Normal airline operations resume from the morning of Thursday 17 July." The crash saw a medical flight, chartered for a patient to be brought to the UK for treatment, come down within the airport boundary shortly after take off. 0:35 It is understood the patient had been dropped off and the 12-metre plane was bound for its base in the Netherlands. The four people who died were two male pilots, understood to be Dutch, a female nurse and a male doctor. Reports have named the nurse as Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, a 31-year-old German national originally from Chile, and the doctor as German national Dr Matthias Eyl, 46. "Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives on Sunday," the Southend Airport statement continued. "Throughout the course of this week, we have continued to support the air accident investigation team as they carry out their work." Essex Police said it had recovered three bodies on Tuesday, and the fourth was expected to be recovered "within the next 24 hours". The force added that it is working with the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB), which is involved in "victim recovery activities, examination of the wreckage and evidence gathering". One witness, who was at the airport with his wife and children, John Johnson, said he saw a "big fireball" exploding across the sky as the plane plunged "head first into the ground". The pilots had waved at his family moments earlier as they taxied the plane to the take-off position, he said.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Yahoo
Southend Airport partially reopens after plane crash killed four people
Southend Airport has partially reopened after being closed following a plane crash that killed four people. Flights to and from the airport in had been suspended since Sunday afternoon when moments after taking off. A statement from the airport on Wednesday read: "London Southend Airport is today partially reopening for a small number of flights, following Sunday's tragic air accident and subsequent closure. "Four easyJet flights will land at London Southend Airport this evening (Wednesday 16 July). Eastern Airways will also operate an empty positioning flight. "Normal airline operations resume from the morning of Thursday 17 July." The crash saw a medical flight, chartered for a patient to be brought to the UK for treatment, come down within the airport boundary shortly after take off. It is understood the patient had been dropped off and the 12-metre plane was bound for its base in the Netherlands. The four people who died were two male pilots, understood to be Dutch, a female nurse and a male doctor. Reports have named the nurse as Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, a 31-year-old German national originally from Chile, and as German national Dr Matthias Eyl, 46. "Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives on Sunday," the Southend Airport statement continued. "Throughout the course of this week, we have continued to support the air accident investigation team as they carry out their work." Read more: Essex Police said it had recovered three bodies on Tuesday, and the fourth was expected to be recovered "within the next 24 hours". The force added that it is working with the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB), which is involved in "victim recovery activities, examination of the wreckage and evidence gathering". One witness, who was at the airport with his wife and children, said he saw a "big fireball" exploding across the sky as the plane plunged "head first into the ground". The pilots had waved at his family moments earlier as they taxied the plane to the take-off position, John Johnson said.
BBC News
6 days ago
- General
- BBC News
London Southend Airport to fully reopen on Thursday after crash
Flights have been allowed to resume at London Stansted Airport three days after a plane crash that killed four Essex facility was shut after nurse Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, the aircraft's pilot and co-pilot, and another person died there on Sunday. Four easyJet flights were allowed to land at the airport on Wednesday, with normal operations resuming on Thursday."Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives on Sunday," an airport spokesperson said. Witnesses described seeing a "fireball" when the Beech B200 Super King Air crashed and exploded shortly before 16:00 plane was operated by Zeusch Aviation, which specialises in medical evacuations and is based at Lelystad Airport in the had flown from the Greek capital Athens to Pula in Croatia, before flying to Southend ahead of another journey to Lelystad Airport. A multi-authority investigation was launched after the crash, involving the Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the Royal Air Force."Throughout the course of this week, we have continued to support the air investigation team," the airport spokesperson stressed it had been an "incredibly difficult time" for staff and passengers."The understanding and kindness shown by our local community has been incredible, and we are grateful for their support," they added. The four people killed in the crash have not been formally named, however, the BBC understands Ms Rojaz Ortiz was among the friend Anna Smith told the BBC it was her first day as a flight nurse."She had a giving heart and was humble, and chose a profession that reflected that," Ms Smith."She was so excited for this new job."Friends have set up a fundraising campaign to raise money to repatriate her remains to Chile, so she can be buried next to her Supt Morgan Cronin, from Essex Police, said the victims would be "treated with the utmost respect and dignity".Writing on X on Monday, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said their deaths were "terrible news". Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
The Independent
15-07-2025
- The Independent
Police work to recover fourth body after plane crash at Southend Airport
Three bodies have been recovered from the site of a plane crash at London Southend Airport with work continuing to recover the fourth, police said. Essex Police said the aircraft, which crashed on Sunday afternoon, killing four people, was a medical flight chartered for a patient to be transported for treatment in the UK. It is understood that the patient had been dropped off and the plane was bound for its base in the Netherlands when it crashed, killing four people who were all foreign nationals. Police said the four were the plane's commander, co-pilot and a doctor, who were all men, and a female nurse. The nurse has been named in media reports as Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, who was originally from Chile and was a German national. The doctor has been named in reports as German national Dr Matthias Eyl, 46. It is understood that the two pilots were Dutch. Essex Police said officers are working closely with the coroner and are not able to officially confirm the identities until formal identification has taken place. In a statement issued on Tuesday, the force said it was 'continuing to work on recovering a fourth body within the next 24 hours'. The airport remains closed until further notice. Police said it was an 'extremely complex operation which is being carried out sensitively and to give each person the dignity they deserve'. The force said it was in contact with the respective embassies of the four victims, and support for the families was also in place in their home countries. Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: 'Our response to this incredibly complex incident continues today in parallel with our colleagues at the AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch). 'Everything we are doing is aimed at finding and preserving the physical and electronic evidence which we hope will help build an accurate picture of what happened. 'The scale of the work being undertaken by many agencies here at London Southend Airport should not be underestimated. 'That work at the scene will continue today and further into the week as we seek to find the answers to what happened here on Sunday afternoon.' Witnesses told of seeing a 'fireball', while images of fire and black smoke were shared on social media after Sunday's crash. The AAIB work includes support of police victim recovery activities, examination of the wreckage and evidence gathering. Police are appealing to members of the public who witnessed the crash or have video footage of it to get in touch. They are also seeking footage of any small jets – not commercial aircraft – landing at the airport on Sunday between 2.15pm and 4pm. Information and footage can be submitted online at
Daily Mail
15-07-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
Second victim of Southend Airport plane crash is named as 'fantastic' German paramedic father as probe into tragedy continues
The second victim of the Southend Airport plane crash tragedy has been revealed to be a 'fantastic' German paramedic and father. Dr Matthias Eyl, 46, from Kleinmaischeid in west Germany, worked as a paramedic and was also employed as a doctor aboard international flights transporting patients, German media reports. A total of four people, all foreign nationals, died after the plane, bound for the Netherlands, crashed and burst into flames just seconds after takeoff at 3.48pm on Sunday. Two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse were among those on board the Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, according to a document which lists passengers. An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. Earlier it was revealed that nurse Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, a German citizen born in Chile, was also killed in the crash during her first day on the job. 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 German Red Cross said in a statement: 'We are deeply shocked and infinitely saddened by the sudden death of our esteemed emergency paramedic Matthias Eyl, who died in a plane crash yesterday at the age of just 46 years old. 'Matthias has been in service with us over many years: as a doctor, comrade and friend. With his warm, honest, and humorous nature, he has not only provided medical assistance, but shaped our community. A total of four people, all foreign nationals, died after the plane, bound for the Netherlands, crashed and burst into flames just seconds after takeoff at 3.48pm on Sunday 'He was a man who listened, tackled and encouraged [...] when it came down to it. His commitment was not taken for granted, his loss is immeasurable. 'We lose not only a reliable doctor, but above all a special person. Our thoughts are with his family and all those close to him. 'Take care, Matthias. We will never forget you!' 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.' The plane, which is often used for mapping and for medivac journeys, had completed two trips that day, one from Athens in Greece to Pula in Croatia and then from Pula to Southend, landing in the UK at 2.51pm. An hour later it took off again, with witnesses describing a 'fireball', while images of fire and black smoke were shared on social media. The Chilean nurse was on her first day on the job, according to reports, which named her as Ms Ortiz, 31. A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise 7,500 euros for her family. The firm both medical staff worked for, Globalmed, said in a statement: 'It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the tragic loss of two of our dear medical colleagues and friends. Their passing away has left a deep void in our teams and in our hearts. 'They were not only valued medical professionals but also kind, inspiring individuals whose presence brought light and strength to those around them. Their dedication, warmth, and friendship will be deeply missed by all who knew them. 'We honour their memory and hold them in our hearts. May they rest in peace. 'We are in frequent contact with the relatives and offer our help where possible. 'As a medical company without aircraft, we are not involved in investigations by the UK authorities concerning flight SUZ1. They will only inform the the airplane operator, and not us.' In a statement at the airport on Monday, Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: 'Yesterday afternoon, an aircraft which had landed here earlier in the day took off bound for the Netherlands. 'Shortly after take off, it got into difficulty and crashed within the airport boundary. 'Sadly, we can now confirm that all four people on board died. 'We are working to officially confirm their identities. At this stage, we believe all four are foreign nationals.' The airport will stay closed until further notice. Its chief executive Jude Winstanley said: 'Our staff are working closely with the emergency services and air accident investigators to support their work. I would like to thank them for all of their hard work during this period.' Lisa Fitzsimons of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said 'it is too early to speculate' on what may have caused the crash. Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the four people killed in the plane crash. In a message on X the Prime Minister said: 'Terrible news that four people tragically lost their lives in yesterday's plane crash at Southend Airport. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones. 'I also want to thank all the emergency responders who attended the scene.' 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, Essex, told PA that before the plane took off, 'we all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us'. He added: '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. 'There was a big fireball. I'd say that we're pretty shaken up. I just feel sad for the people who were on the plane and, of course, their loved ones and their family, our thoughts are with them.'
