On Sunday, July 13, 2025, a devastating plane crash occurred at London Southend Airport, resulting in the loss of five lives. The small aircraft crashed just seconds after takeoff, triggering a massive emergency response and forcing the airport to shut down all operations. Here’s everything you need to know about this tragic event.
✈️ The Incident: Key Facts
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Date & Time: Sunday, July 13, 2025, just before 4 PM local time
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Aircraft: Beechcraft B200 Super King Air (twin-turboprop)
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Operator: Zeusch Aviation (Dutch medical flight company)
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Flight Path: Athens → Pula → Southend → Scheduled to Lelystad, Netherlands
Eyewitness Accounts: A Harrowing Scene
“The plane took off, then sharply banked left and inverted before crashing — a huge fireball followed.”
— John Johnson, eyewitness
Videos shared on social media showed thick black smoke and roaring flames, with the aircraft engulfed in fire moments after impact.
Emergency Response & Airport Closure
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Airport Shutdown: Southend Airport closed immediately; all flights suspended
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Evacuations: Nearby Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club evacuated for safety
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Medical Teams: 4 ambulances, rapid response vehicles, air ambulance, and Hazardous Area Response Teams deployed
⚠️ Casualties & Investigation
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Fatalities: Tragically, 5 people on board lost their lives in the crash
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Injuries: No survivors reported; emergency teams confirmed no further casualties on the ground
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Investigation: Led by the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) and Essex Police
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Preliminary Info: Plane lost control seconds after takeoff; cause under investigation (mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors)
About the Beechcraft B200 Super King Air
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Type: Twin-turboprop aircraft widely used for medical transport and special missions
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Length: Approximately 12 meters
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Use: Known for reliability and short runway operations, often used in patient evacuation missions
✈️ Impact on Air Travel
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Complete Shutdown: Southend Airport remains closed until further notice
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Flight Disruptions: Passengers advised to check airline updates; expect delays and cancellations
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Rebooking: Airlines actively assisting travelers affected by the closure
What’s Next?
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Investigation: AAIB will conduct a detailed review of flight data, maintenance logs, and pilot communications
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Airport Operations: Closure to continue while crash site is secured and examined
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Support: Zeusch Aviation and local authorities are providing assistance to the families of the victims
❓ FAQs
How many people died in the crash?
Sadly, 5 fatalities have been confirmed.
What caused the crash?
Investigation ongoing; no definitive cause announced yet.
How long will Southend Airport remain closed?
Until investigation and site clearance are complete; updates will be provided.
Summary
The London Southend Airport plane crash is a tragic reminder of the risks in aviation. With five lives lost, the focus now is on uncovering the cause, supporting the bereaved families, and ensuring future flight safety. Stay tuned for official updates as the investigation progresses.
Stay safe and informed — check back for the latest developments on this heartbreaking story.
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