London Southend Airport remains closed following a fatal plane crash on Sunday, confirmed by chief executive Jude Winstanley. The incident occurred just before 16:00 BST, when Essex Police were alerted to a 12-metre aircraft on fire.
Dutch aviation company Zeusch Aviation confirmed its SUZ1 flight was “involved in an accident” and is cooperating with authorities. The plane had departed Athens, stopped in Pula, Croatia, and landed in Southend before it was scheduled to return to Lelystad, Netherlands.
Eyewitness John Johnson from Billericay described the aircraft taking off and suddenly banking heavily to the left before crashing. “Within a few seconds, the aircraft almost inverted and hit the ground. There was a huge fireball,” he told the BBC.
Airport reopens after four killed in plane crash
Airport reopens after four killed in plane crash Witnesses described seeing a “fireball” when the Beech B200 Super King Air crashed and exploded shortly before 16:00 BST. The plane was operated by Zeusch Aviation, which specialises in medical evacuations and is based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands.
It had flown from the Greek capital Athens to Pula in Croatia before flying to Southend ahead of another journey to Lelystad. The fourth and final person on board has now been moved from the crash site. A Essex Police spokesperson said victim identification was under way.
“It is complex work, overseen by a panel of experts which is chaired by HM coroner, and it is only when they are satisfied that the identities of those involved in the crash will be formally confirmed.” Ch Supt Morgan Cronin said: “I’d like to thank every agency involved in this complex investigative process.
“Additionally, thank you to London Southend Airport, Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Football Club – the impact of this and time taken is not lost on us, and their support is greatly appreciated.”
A multi-authority investigation was launched after the crash, involving the Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the RAF.
“Throughout the course of this week, we have continued to support the air investigation team,” the airport spokesperson said.
They 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. Essex Police said: “The aircraft is being carefully dismantled to move into the next phase of the investigation, being carried out in parallel with the Air Accident Investigation Branch.”