Tragic Plane Crash at Southend Airport: 4 Died, Police Confirmed

Four people have died in a tragic plane crash at Southend Airport in Essex, UK, police have confirmed. The accident occurred on Sunday afternoon around 4:00 p.m., and the airport remains closed today, with all flights suspended as investigations continue.

According to Essex Police, they were alerted just before 4:00 p.m. to reports of a 12-metre aircraft colliding at the airport, which they declared a serious incident. The type of aircraft involved has not yet been officially named, but it was operated by Dutch company Zeusch Aviation and identified as their SUZ1 flight.

Witnesses reported seeing the plane struggling before crashing, followed by a massive explosion. Social media images and videos showed a large fireball and thick, black smoke billowing from the site, visible from miles away. One eyewitness described the scene as “like something from a movie,” adding: “The plane hit the ground and within seconds it was engulfed in flames.”

Emergency services, including fire crews, paramedics, and police, quickly rushed to the site. More than a dozen fire engines and support vehicles were seen at the airport tackling the flames and securing the area. Specialist rescue teams worked through the night to recover victims and assess the wreckage.

So far, four fatalities have been confirmed, with authorities still working to formally identify the victims and inform their families. There have been no reports of survivors among those on board, and it is not yet clear if anyone on the ground was injured.

Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, confirmed its aircraft was involved in the crash and stated that it is “actively supporting the authorities with the investigation.” The company added: “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this tragic event.” According to their website, the aircraft involved is typically used for medical flights, including transporting patients, organs, or medical teams.

The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has deployed a team of experts — including specialists in aircraft operations, human factors, engineering, and data analysis — to investigate the cause of the crash. The AAIB said that their multi-disciplinary team arrived at the site on Sunday and has been working since then to collect evidence and interview witnesses.

In a statement, an AAIB spokesperson noted: “We have begun a full investigation into the accident, and our team remains on site today. We aim to establish the circumstances leading up to this tragedy and to determine any safety lessons that can be learned.”

Southend Airport remains closed while investigators and emergency services continue their work. Passengers scheduled to travel have been advised to check with airlines for updates, and airport officials expressed their condolences to the victims’ families while asking for patience as the investigation continues.

Police have appealed for any witnesses or anyone with video footage of the incident to come forward to assist the investigation. A press conference is scheduled for this afternoon, where authorities are expected to provide more details about the victims and the possible causes of the crash.

This tragic event marks one of the most serious aviation accidents in the UK in recent years and has deeply shocked the local community and aviation industry alike.