Authorities Battle Fire After Light Aircraft Crash at Southend Airport

13/07/2025

LONDON, July 13: A small aircraft crashed at Southend Airport on Saturday afternoon, with eyewitnesses describing a “huge fireball” and thick black smoke rising from the scene.

The incident occurred shortly before 4:00 PM, prompting a swift response from Essex Police, fire crews, and emergency medical services. According to early reports, the light aircraft crashed during takeoff and was believed to be en route to the Netherlands.

Images circulated on social media show dramatic scenes of fire and a plume of dense smoke billowing from the crash site at the Essex-based airport.

Due to the proximity of the crash, Essex Police ordered the evacuation of the Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club as a safety precaution.

In an official statement, Essex Police confirmed: “We remain at the scene of a serious incident at Southend Airport. We were alerted shortly before 4:00 PM to reports of a collision involving a 12-metre aircraft. All emergency services are currently working together at the scene, and this response will continue for several hours. We urge the public to avoid the area while emergency operations are underway.”

The East of England Ambulance Service also deployed extensive resources to the site, including:

Four ambulances, One rapid response vehicle, Four Hazardous Area Response Team (HART) units, Three senior paramedic vehicles, The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance

The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service reported receiving the call at 3:58 PM. Fire crews from Southend (two units), Rayleigh Weir, Basildon (two units), and off-road response vehicles from Billericay and Chelmsford were dispatched to the scene. Firefighters continue to work closely with emergency service partners and aviation authorities.

The number of people on board the aircraft and the extent of any injuries or fatalities have not yet been confirmed, according to reports from The Mirror.

Southend City Council’s Cabinet Member for Business, Culture, Music and Tourism, Matt Dent, acknowledged the incident on social media platform X, stating: “I am aware of the live serious incident ongoing at London Southend Airport. At present, all I know is that a small plane has crashed at the airport. My thoughts are with all those involved, and with the emergency services currently responding to the incident.”

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.