At least four people have died after a medical aircraft crashed at Southend Airport in London on Sunday afternoon, according to Essex Police. The airport has remained closed since the incident as emergency services responded to the scene.
The plane, which had previously transported a patient, was en route back to the Netherlands when it encountered problems shortly after takeoff. Around 4:00 p.m. local time, the aircraft tragically crashed on the airport grounds. Authorities have not yet confirmed the exact cause of the accident, but investigations are currently underway.
“Unfortunately, we can confirm that all four people on board have died,” said Essex Police Chief Officer Morgan Cronin during a press briefing. He noted that efforts are being made to formally identify the victims, though initial information suggests that all were foreign nationals. The identities of the deceased are being withheld until their families can be notified.
British broadcaster Sky News obtained the passenger list, which revealed that two of the individuals on board were Dutch pilots, while another was a Chilean nurse. The fourth person has not yet been publicly identified. It is understood that the aircraft was operating as a medical transport flight, and had just completed a mission to deliver a patient for treatment.
The crash has shocked the local community, and condolences have been pouring in for the victims and their families. Aviation authorities and investigators from both the UK and the Netherlands are expected to collaborate in determining what caused the crash. Southend Airport will remain closed until further notice as the investigation continues and safety assessments are carried out.
Authorities have urged the public to avoid the area and to be patient while emergency crews complete their work at the scene. Further updates are expected in the coming days.
