July 13, 2025: A small aircraft crashed at London Southend Airport in Essex on Sunday afternoon, triggering a massive fireball and sending plumes of thick smoke into the sky. The exact cause of the crash and details about potential injuries remain unconfirmed at this time.
Initial reports on social media suggest the aircraft involved may have been a Beech B200 Super King Air, though official confirmation is still pending.
Essex Police released a statement confirming their response to a “serious incident”, noting that they were alerted just before 4 PM to reports of a collision involving a 12-metre aircraft. Authorities have asked the public to avoid the area as emergency services continue operations.
“We remain on the scene of a serious incident at Southend Airport… That work will be ongoing for several hours,” the police said.
In response to the incident, surrounding areas including the Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club are being evacuated as a precaution due to their proximity to the crash site.
The East of England Ambulance Service deployed a large emergency team, including:
- 4 ambulances
- A rapid response vehicle
- 4 Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) units
- 3 senior paramedic cars
- Essex and Herts Air Ambulance
Videos circulating online show the moment of explosion, with a bright fireball and rising black smoke—indicating a significant impact and possible fuel ignition.
Local MP David Burton-Sampson acknowledged the incident on X (formerly Twitter), urging people to stay clear and allow emergency teams to work:
“My thoughts are with everyone involved.”
More updates are expected as officials investigate the crash and assess damage and injuries.