A small plane crashed at London Southend airport in Sussex, England, on Sunday, killing the four people on board, according to local officials.
Sunday, Essex Police saying They were on the scene after a “serious incident” occurred at the Southend airport at approximately 4 pm local time. They said they are responding to the reports of a “collision that involves a 12 -meter plane” and said the emergency response will last several hours.
The plane, which had landed at the airport earlier in the day, took off and headed to the Netherlands, Essex police said Monday. But shortly after takeoff, the plane got “in difficulty and crashed into the airport limit.”
Police are “working to officially confirm” the identities of the four dead people, but believe that all are foreign citizens, authorities said on Monday.
“Our thoughts are with their families and colleagues at this tragic moment. I can promise them that those who have died will be treated with the highest care and dignity,” said the police.
Zeusch Aviation confirmed on Sunday that his flight Suz1 was involved in the incident and that the company is “actively supporting the authorities with the investigation.”
The East of East England service saying They have sent “four ambulances, a quick response vehicle, four dangerous are vehicles of the response equipment, three high -level paramedical cars and an ESSEX and HERS air ambulance” to the airport.
The authorities said that the public should avoid the area and that they are evacuating the Rochford Hundle Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club “due to their proximity to the incident.”
London Southend airport confirmed the “serious incident” on Sunday afternoon that involved a “general aviation plane.”
Southend, England – August 10: a general view of a quiet London Southend airport after Ryanair announced his withdrawal on August 10, 2021 in Southend, England. Airport owners have confirmed that Ryanair must withdraw their services and close their commercial base at Southend airport since November 1 as a result of the Coronavirus pandemic. The movement occurs after Easyjet withdrew from the airport less than a year ago. (Photo by John Keeble/Getty Images)
John Keeble/Getty Images
“We are working closely with local authorities and we can provide more information as soon as possible,” said the airport in a statement.
Airport authorities He later said The airport is closed until new notice as research responds to the incident.
“All flights to and from the airport have been canceled while police investigators, emergency services and air accidents attend the incident. We ask that passengers who must travel tomorrow through the London Southend airport communicate with their airline to obtain information and advice,” airport officials said in a statement.
The spokesman for the air accident investigation branch said they are aware of his accident “that involves a plane near Southend airport this afternoon” and has deployed a “team and an investigation into the cause of the accident.”
London Southend airport is located approximately one hour east of London, a few miles from the coast.
ABC News Victoria Beaule, Ayesha Ali and Will Gretsky contributed to this story.
