Explosion as ‘plane crashes moments after takeoff’ at Southend Airport

A small passenger plane has crashed just after taking off from Southend Airport for the Netherlands.

Photos of the small Beech B200 aircraft in flames are being circulated on social media, with witnesses saying it went up into a ‘fireball’.

The plane was scheduled to fly to Lelystad in the Netherlands, according to initial reports.

Essex Police and ambulance crews are responding to the scene.

ESN Report wrote on X: ‘Just witnessed a Beechcraft crash on take-off at Southend airport about 40 minutes after a Cessna also left the runway. Thoughts are with those on the aircraft.

‘Absolutely tragic. Was waving to the aircrew just moments before.’

MP David Burton-Sampson wrote on X: ‘I am aware of an incident at Southend Airport.

‘Please keep away and allow the emergency services to do their work. My thoughts are with everyone involved.’

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