A Beech B200 aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from Southend Airport
A private plane heading to the Netherlands crashed in a fiery explosion moments after taking off from Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon.
The aircraft, a Beech B200, was en route to Lelystad when it suddenly lost control and went down, creating a huge fireball that was seen from miles away.
People nearby watched in disbelief. One woman, standing on the viewing deck of the Holiday Inn with her daughter, said:
“The plane turned sharply left, then just dropped straight down and exploded. We were frozen in shock.”
Others claimed they saw the passengers waving through the windows just before take-off.
Within minutes, fire engines, ambulances, and police arrived at the crash site. An air ambulance was also dispatched. The area around Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club was cleared for safety.
Resident Dani Hill, who saw the crash from her house, said:
“I looked out and saw a giant fireball. I’m still in shock. Nothing prepares you for something like that.”
Essex Police confirmed they were handling a “serious incident,” and authorities urged the public to avoid the area to let emergency workers operate safely.
MP David Burton-Sampson acknowledged the incident and called on residents to give space to first responders.
In a brief update, Southend Airport said they are cooperating with investigators and will share more details once confirmed. The exact cause of the crash and the number of casualties remain unknown.
