Fireball erupts as light aircraft crashes moments after take-off at Southend Airport
A terrifying scene unfolded at London Southend Airport on Sunday as a small plane burst into flames just seconds after take-off. The aircraft, reportedly around 12 metres long, plummeted to the ground and exploded into a raging fireball, sending thick black smoke billowing into the sky.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene. Images from social media show a plume of smoke towering over the airport, with flames engulfing the crash site.
“It was like something out of a movie,” said one eyewitness at the airport. “There was this loud noise, and suddenly, the whole area lit up.”
Fire crews and paramedics were quick to respond. According to the East of England Ambulance Service, four emergency teams were dispatched, including a rapid response vehicle, a hazardous area response team, and a senior paramedic.
“Four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, and our hazardous area response team were sent to the scene,” the service confirmed. “We remain on site assisting emergency partners.”
The cause of the crash remains unclear. No details have yet been released about the plane’s origin or its intended destination. Authorities have also not confirmed how many people were on board or whether there were any casualties.
As a result of the crash, at least four scheduled flights from the airport were cancelled on Sunday afternoon. Investigators have since cordoned off the area as they begin piecing together what went wrong. The incident adds to a growing number of major air disasters in 2025, prompting renewed concern over aviation safety.
A spokesperson for London Southend Airport said: “There has been an incident involving a light aircraft. Emergency services are on site and managing the situation.”
Locals and travellers were left shaken. Several flights are likely to face further disruption as the investigation continues into the incident.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is expected to lead the inquiry, with updates likely in the coming days.
