Plane Crashes After Takeoff from Southend Airport, Erupts in Fireball
A Beech B200 Super King Air aircraft operated by Dutch-based Zeusch Aviation crashed shortly after takeoff from Southend Airport on Sunday, July 13, erupting into a fireball. The plane, bound for the Netherlands, went down around 4 p.m., prompting a massive emergency response. The number of passengers and casualties remains unconfirmed as investigations continue.
Enet
A passenger aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon, July 13, erupting into a massive fireball and sending thick plumes of smoke into the sky.
The crash occurred around 4 p.m. local time. Initial reports identified the aircraft as a Beech B200 Super King Air—a twin-engine turboprop—en route to Lelystad, Netherlands.
Emergency services responded swiftly, with police, firefighters, and paramedics deployed to the scene. Authorities have yet to confirm the number of people on board or report any casualties.
Eyewitnesses described the scene as “tragic,” with some saying they had waved to the crew just moments before the crash. Videos shared online show the wreckage engulfed in flames and thick black smoke billowing into the air.
The aircraft is believed to be operated by Zeusch Aviation, a Dutch-based company.
In a statement, Essex Police said: “We are working with all emergency services at the scene now and that work will be ongoing for several hours. We would please ask the public to avoid this area while this work continues.”
The crash site has been sealed off, and a full investigation is underway to determine the cause of the accident.
