A airplane crashed shortly after takeoff from London Southend Airport on Saturday, bursting into a massive fireball that witnesses described as a terrifying midair explosion.
Dramatic videos and images of the wreckage have since flooded social media, prompting a wave of concern and speculation.
The aircraft involved was identified as a Beechcraft B200, a twin-engine turboprop often used for small charter flights. According to early reports from The Metro, the flight was en route to Lelystad in the Netherlands before disaster struck.
JUST IN: A Super King Air aircraft has crashed shortly after takeoff from London Southend Airport. pic.twitter.com/NJkeVAOk2z
— Resist Times (@resistupdates) July 13, 2025
Eyewitnesses near the airport reported seeing the plane climb into the sky before suddenly becoming engulfed in flames. One witness told local media the aircraft “just turned into a fireball” seconds after lifting off the runway. Cell phone footage posted online shows thick black smoke rising from the crash site as emergency crews race to respond.
Essex Police confirmed the incident in an official statement released around 4 p.m. local time. “We remain on the scene of a serious incident at Southend Airport,” authorities said. “We were alerted shortly before 4 p.m. to reports of a collision involving one 12-metre plane.”
Police statement on plane crash at London Southend Airport. Nearby clubs being evacuated as a precaution pic.twitter.com/4U8Zl71sdA
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) July 13, 2025
The statement continued: “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.”
As a precaution, nearby facilities including the Rochford Hundred Golf Club and the Westcliff Rugby Club have been evacuated due to their proximity to the crash site.
At this time, there are no confirmed details regarding the number of passengers on board or any casualties. Emergency medical teams remain on-site, and authorities have not released any information about possible survivors.
The cause of the crash remains under investigation, and officials have not ruled out mechanical failure or other contributing factors. Aviation experts expect that a full probe will be launched by the UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB).
The incident has sent shockwaves through the Southend community, with “#Southend” trending across social media as users call for prayers and answers.
This remains a developing story. Updates will follow as more information becomes available.