London, July 14 (V7N) — A small aircraft has crashed and caught fire at Southend Airport in southeast London, prompting the closure of the airport and the cancellation of all scheduled flights, including five international routes. Emergency services and air accident investigators are currently at the scene.

Details of the Incident

According to Essex Police, the 12-metre-long plane crashed and burst into flames shortly before 4:00 PM local time. The number of people on board is not yet confirmed.

The Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said it was alerted at 3:58 PM, and multiple fire units responded from Southend, Raleigh Weir, and Basildon, along with off-road vehicles from Billericay and Chelmsford.

Immediate Response

  • Southend Airport has been shut down.

  • All incoming and outgoing flights are cancelled.

  • Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club nearby have been evacuated as a precaution.

Eyewitness Accounts

Several witnesses described the crash as “utterly tragic”, with one saying they waved to the plane’s crew shortly before the crash. Footage shared on social media shows the aircraft engulfed in flames shortly after impact.

Official Reactions

Southend City Council official Matt Dent wrote on X (formerly Twitter),

“A small aircraft has crashed at Southend Airport – it is confirmed. Details are not yet available. My thoughts are with everyone involved and the emergency services.”

Airport authorities and police have urged the public to stay away from the area to allow emergency crews to manage the situation.

Investigation Underway

The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) is expected to take the lead in determining the cause of the crash. No official word has been given on casualties or survivors.

More updates will follow as further details emerge.

END/RH/AJ