Witnesses detail moment jet 'violently' smashed to the ground and erupted into fireball at UK airport
Eyewitnesses at a UK airport have described the moment a plane crashed and erupted into a fireball just moments after take-off.
Yesterday (13 July), a 12-metre plane departing from London Southend Airport 'violently' crashed moments after lift off at 4pm BST.
Videos captured at the scene revealed the jet - a Beech B200 Super King Air operated by Zeusch Aviation - burst into flames after hitting the ground.
It's understood that the flight was travelling to Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands. Authorities are yet to confirm the number of casualties from the crash or how many people were onboard the flight.
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Witnesses have since come forward to share their accounts of seeing the crash, revealing the aircraft appeared to crash 'head first' into the ground.
"It took off in probably three or four seconds. It started to bank heavily to its left... I said to my wife, that's unusual," John Johnson, who'd taken his children to watch the planes take off, explained to the BBC.
"We don't find aircraft normally turning at that stage in their ascent. Within a few seconds of that, the aircraft almost inverted and hit the ground. There was a huge fireball."
Meanwhile, 34-year-old father Ben Guppy revealed to the MailOnline that he also witnessed the horrifying crash while plane watching with his family.
"I just looked around like 'Am I dreaming?'. I turned to my wife Jess, who had her hands over her face. She was pretty much in tears. She's still pretty upset about it all," he explained, adding that fellow customers in the bar that they were seated in had begun to scream after witnessing the crash.
Guppy had also noted the aircraft's sharp left turn shortly after take-off, saying: "He's banking hard left and then the next thing you know, it's like another handbrake turn.
"He went left so violently and I thought 'What is he doing?' He was only about 100 metres up by this point. And then he corkscrewed upside down into the floor, the plane was only in the air for seconds."
Essex police have since confirmed they are working with the Air Accident Investigation Branch to determine the cause of the crash and asked the public to avoid the area for now.
"In these very early stages it is vital we gather the information we need, and continue supporting the people of Essex," Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said in a statement.
"I’m aware of the tragic incident at Southend Airport this afternoon. My thoughts are with all those involved," wrote Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander on X.
"The emergency services are on scene and are advising the public to avoid the area where possible. I am monitoring the situation closely and receiving regular updates."
In a statement to LADbible, London Southend Airport said: "Due to a serious incident at London Southend Airport, we regret to advise that the Airport is closed until further notice. All flights to and from the Airport have been cancelled while Police, emergency services and air accident investigators are attending the incident.
"Our thoughts are with those affected by today’s events and all passengers impacted by this disruption. We will restart flight operations as soon as possible and will continue to update the public on developments."
LADbible has approached Essex Police for further comment.
Brenna Cooper