Tragedy at Southend Airport: Medical Jet Crashes After Takeoff, Four Feared Dead in Fiery Wreck
In a devastating incident on Sunday, July 13, 2025, a small medical transport jet crashed moments after takeoff from London Southend Airport, claiming the lives of all four people on board. The aircraft, a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, was being operated by Dutch air ambulance company Zeusch Aviation and was en route to Lelystad, Netherlands.
The Crash
According to eyewitnesses, the aircraft took off normally at around 3:48 PM local time, but seconds later, veered to the left, partially flipped, and then plummeted nose-first into the ground before exploding into a fireball. A witness described it as “a horrific sight — the plane went up, tilted sharply, then came down in flames within seconds.” The impact occurred just outside the airport’s main runway area.
Emergency Response
Emergency services, including Essex Police, Essex County Fire and Rescue, and the East of England Ambulance Service, rushed to the scene within minutes. Crews from nearby fire stations, including Southend, Rayleigh Weir, and Basildon, battled the flames with specialist off-road units and foam equipment. The Essex and Herts Air Ambulance also responded, but no survivors were found.
Nearby recreational areas like Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club were immediately evacuated, and a security perimeter was set up by police around the site of the crash.
Victims and Aircraft Details
The aircraft had four occupants: two pilots and two passengers. All were confirmed dead at the scene. The identities of the victims have not yet been released pending notification of next of kin. The plane, a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, is a widely used model for short regional and emergency medical flights. The specific aircraft was operating under the callsign SUZ1.
Airport Closed, Flights Affected
Following the crash, London Southend Airport was closed to all flights, with several inbound and outbound services canceled or diverted. Airlines, including easyJet, advised passengers to check with their carriers before heading to the airport. As of Monday, the airport remains closed while investigations continue.
Investigation Launched
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the crash. Specialists in flight operations, airworthiness, and human factors have been deployed to the scene. The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder are expected to play a crucial role in understanding what caused the fatal incident.
Essex Police confirmed that they are supporting the AAIB and have asked members of the public who may have witnessed the incident or captured it on video to come forward.
Airline Statement
Zeusch Aviation released a statement expressing deep sorrow over the incident. “We are devastated by the loss of our crew and passengers. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families affected. We are cooperating fully with the authorities,” the company said.
