Small Plane Crash Closes London Southend Airport, Cancels All Flights

A small plane operated by Zeusch Aviation crashed shortly after takeoff from London Southend Airport, causing the airport to close until further notice with all flights canceled. The 12-metre Beechcraft B200 aircraft crashed head-first into the ground, resulting in a large fireball and plume of black smoke, witnessed by bystanders who noted the pilots waved at them just before takeoff. Essex Police and emergency services responded promptly to the incident, evacuating nearby areas as a precaution and supporting an ongoing investigation. Zeusch Aviation has confirmed the accident and is cooperating with authorities while expressing condolences to those affected. The East of England Ambulance Service dispatched multiple ambulances, and the airport remains shut as investigators work at the scene. Passengers scheduled to travel have been advised to contact their airlines for updates on flight operations resuming.