A plane has crashed at Southend Airport in Essex, prompting a major emergency response from police, fire and ambulance services. Essex Police confirmed they were alerted to reports of a serious collision involving a 12-metre aircraft shortly before 4pm on Sunday.
Dramatic images shared on social media show a large plume of fire and thick black smoke billowing from the crash site at the Essex airport. Emergency services remain at the scene dealing with the incident.
Nearby clubs evacuated
As a precautionary measure due to their proximity to the crash site, police have evacuated the Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club. The evacuation was ordered to ensure public safety while emergency services work at the scene.
The incident has also disrupted airport operations, with four flights scheduled to take off on Sunday afternoon cancelled according to the airport's website. The cancellations affect passengers who were due to depart from the Essex airport.
MPs and council respond
David Burton-Sampson, Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, said 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."
Matt Dent, Southend City Council's cabinet member for business, culture, music and tourism, also responded to the incident on social media. He said: "I am aware of the live serious incident ongoing at London Southend Airport. At present all I know is that a small plane has crashed at the airport. My thoughts are with all those involved, and with the emergency services currently responding to the incident."
Police, fire crews and ambulance teams continue to respond to the incident at the airport. The force confirmed they remain on scene alongside other emergency services dealing with the collision.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
