Plane Crash Shuts Down London Southend Airport

A small aircraft, believed to be a Beech B200 Super King Air, crashed in a fireball shortly after takeoff from London Southend Airport around 4 PM, sending thick black smoke into the sky. The plane, reportedly heading to the Netherlands, inverted and waved to bystanders before plunging to the ground. Emergency services responded rapidly, deploying ambulances, paramedic units, and air ambulances, and evacuating the nearby Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club as a precaution. Several flights were canceled and the airport was shut down as authorities began their investigation into the cause of the crash. The number of people on board and the extent of casualties remain unconfirmed. Local officials expressed condolences and urged the public to avoid the area while the scene was managed.