Southend Airport to remain closed after ‘fireball’ crash

London Southend Airport will remain closed until further notice after a plane crashed in a “fireball”.

Essex Police said they were alerted shortly before 4pm on Sunday to “reports of a collision involving one 12-metre plane” at the airport, calling it a “serious incident” although there has been no confirmation of the number of casualties.

Images posted on social media showed a plume of fire and black smoke coming up from the crash site, while witnesses described seeing a “fireball”.

Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in The Netherlands, confirmed its SUZ1 flight had been “involved in an accident” at London Southend Airport.

The statement said the company was “actively supporting the authorities with the investigation”, adding: “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affec