Tragic Plane Crash Rocks Southend Airport
A small plane crashed just moments after takeoff at Southend Airport, London, on July 13, 2025. The fiery crash claimed four lives and shocked witnesses and nearby communities.
Immediate Response and Cr.ash Details
Essex Police quickly cordoned off the crash site. The downed aircraft was a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air operated by Zeusch Aviation. It crashed during its initial climb, en route to Lelystad, Netherlands, following a medivac trip from Athens, Greece, with a stop in Pula, Croatia.
According to the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives, the vic.tim.s included two pilots, a doctor, and a nurse. Unfortunately, no one survived.
Fireball formed at the crash site, seen from the nearby golf course. From a video dated July 13, 2025. | Source: X/SVS News Agency
Witness Account: A Ho.rr.or Unfolds
Ben Guppy, 34, from Benfleet, England, was watching planes with his wife and toddler near the Holiday Inn bar, about 500 meters away. He described the plane climbing about 50 meters before suddenly listing left.
“The left wing dropped, and then the plane banked hard left,” Guppy recalled. “It corkscrewed upside down into the floor. The plane was only in the air for seconds.”
A massive fireball erupted, filling the sky with smoke and flames. “Luckily, my daughter was facing the other way,” Guppy said. His wife was visibly shaken, tears flowing as the family processed the ho.rr.or.
Community Reaction and Emergency Efforts
Video footage from nearby Rochford Hundred Golf Club captured men running toward the thick black smoke, desperately searching for anyone who might have survived. Meanwhile, at Westcliff Rugby Club, children attending a football ceremony watched the smoke rise behind the treeline.
Lauren Dawson, mother of a 12-year-old footballer, speculated the pilot tried to turn back to the airport after trouble took hold.
Emergency services continue to work at the still-secured crash site. Authorities have launched a major incident hotline and public portal to support those affected.
Impact on Airport Operations and Official Statements
Southend Airport faced flight delays and cancellations as the investigation unfolded. Zeusch Aviation confirmed the crash and pledged full cooperation with authorities.
Essex Police Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin emphasized the need for a thorough investigation, urging patience. “We will share information as soon as we can,” Cronin said.
UK Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander extended her condolences and confirmed she is monitoring the situation closely.
