Emergency Services Respond to Plane Crash at London Southend Airport

On Sunday, emergency services swiftly responded to a plane crash at London Southend Airport. The airport confirmed a “serious incident” involving a general aviation aircraft. Images shared on social media depicted a large plume of fire and smoke rising from the crash site, capturing the attention of onlookers and sparking widespread concern.

Eyewitness Accounts Describe Dramatic Scene

Witness John Johnson, present at the airport with his family, recounted the harrowing moments following the crash. He described seeing a “big fireball” after the plane crashed headfirst into the ground. According to Johnson, the aircraft took off and shortly after began banking heavily to its left before inverting and crashing. The immediate aftermath was marked by a significant explosion, creating a dramatic scene at the airport.

Rapid Response by Emergency Services

The airport’s fire service was quick to respond, deploying two fire engines to the crash site. Local police, ambulance, and additional fire services soon followed to manage the situation. Essex Police reported being alerted to the incident just before 4 p.m. local time and confirmed that efforts would continue for several hours.

Precautionary Evacuations and Public Safety Measures

As a precautionary measure, police evacuated a nearby golf club and rugby club due to their proximity to the crash site. Local Member of Parliament David Burton-Sampson urged residents to avoid the area to allow emergency services to carry out their work effectively. He expressed his thoughts for everyone involved in this tragic event.

Impact on Airport Operations

The incident led to the cancellation of four flights scheduled for Sunday afternoon, as indicated on the airport’s website. Details regarding the plane’s intended destination or the number of individuals on board were not immediately available.