TRAGEDY STRIKES SOUTHEND AIRPORT IN FIERY PLANE CRASH
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, around 4 p.m. local time, a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air operated by Zeusch Aviation crashed moments after takeoff from London Southend Airport. The aircraft burst into flames upon impact. In a terrifying turn of events, a private twin-engine aircraft crashed and exploded in flames shortly after taking off from London Southend Airport Plane Crash, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the sky and forcing an immediate shutdown of the airport.
The aircraft, identified as a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, operated by Dutch-based charter company Zeusch Aviation, was bound for Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands. The incident occurred around 4:00 PM local time, just moments after liftoff, prompting a full-scale emergency response.
“HORRIFIC CRASH” AND “HOW PLANE EXPLODES IN FIREBALL” DESCRIBED BY EYEWITNESSES
London Southend Airport plane crash after takeoff, private jet explodes in a fireball. Terrified witnesses recounted the traumatic scene as the aircraft veered sharply left, appeared to invert mid-air, and plummeted into the ground before erupting in a massive fireball. Locals near Rochford Hundred Golf Club reported hearing a loud bang followed by the terrifying sight of flames shooting into the sky.
“It looked like something out of a movie, the plane rolled and then boom, it was just fire,” said one witness who lives near the airport.
Footage of the crash circulated widely online, showing the immediate aftermath, including a column of smoke and flames engulfing the crash site.
AIRCRAFT DETAILS AND FLIGHT ROUTE
The crashed aircraft was a Beechcraft Super King Air B200, with tail number PH-ZAZ, a high-performance turboprop commonly used for executive transport, medical evacuations, and charter services. According to flight tracking data, it had flown from Athens (Greece) to Pula (Croatia) before arriving at Southend earlier that day.
Its intended journey from Southend to Lelystad was expected to take just over an hour before the crash cut it tragically short.
Emergency Response & Investigation
- Emergency services, including ambulances, fire crews, response vehicles, and an air ambulance, responded swiftly to the scene.
- Nearby locations such as Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club were evacuated as a precaution.
- The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), along with Essex Police, the Royal Air Force, and other agencies, launched an investigation. AAIB described it as “too early to speculate” on causes and deployed a multidisciplinary team.
- Inquests opened at Essex Coroner’s Court on July 31, 2025, revealing all victims died from severe head injuries, and the full inquest has been adjourned until June 15, 2026, when the AAIB report is expected.
Airport Operations
- Southend Airport remained closed in the immediate aftermath. It partially reopened on July 16 and fully resumed operations on July 17.
Background: Flight Details
- The aircraft had flown from Athens, Greece, to Pula, Croatia, then to Southend, and was en route back to its base in Lelystad, Netherlands, when the crash occurred.
Casualties & Victims
- All four people on board were killed, and they are believed to have been foreign nationals.
- They were identified as:
- Captain Danny Franken, 53, Dutch, also serving as a KLM Boeing 777 first officer.
- First Officer Floris Rhee, 24, Dutch.
- Dr. Matthias Eyl, 46, German physician.
- Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, 31, a German nurse originally from Chile, on her first day as a flight nurse.
- All four bodies were recovered by July 16, 2025.
ONGOING INVESTIGATION BY AIR ACCIDENTS BRANCH
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has taken charge of the inquiry, focusing on potential mechanical failure, pilot error, or other contributing factors. Zeusch Aviation has confirmed that the aircraft involved was part of its operational fleet and pledged full cooperation with authorities.
The Dutch-based operator released a statement expressing their “deepest concern” and “commitment to uncovering the cause of the tragedy.”
IMPACT ON PASSENGERS AND TRAVELERS
After London Southend Airport plane crash, airport closed, many travelers were left in limbo. Social media was flooded with posts from passengers seeking rebooking and updates. Local authorities urged people to avoid the airport area and follow official travel advisories.
Airlines including easyJet, Wizz Air, and Ryanair have rerouted or delayed several scheduled flights. Travelers are advised to check their flight status before heading to the airport.
EXPERT OPINIONS AND ANALYSIS
Aviation analysts have raised concerns about the aircraft’s sudden maneuvers before the crash. Former British Airways pilot and aviation analyst Peter Layton commented:
“It’s highly unusual for a plane of this type to roll like that shortly after takeoff. It may suggest engine failure or control issues.”
PUBLIC REACTION AND SAFETY CONCERNS
The London Southend Airport Plane Crash has reignited discussions about the safety of smaller, charter-operated aircraft in the UK. Online reactions have been a mix of shock, sorrow, and concern, especially given the dramatic footage of the explosion now circulating widely on news and social platforms.
Local MP David Burton-Sampson expressed condolences, calling the incident “tragic and deeply saddening,” while encouraging residents to support the emergency services’ work.
WHAT HAPPENS NEXT
- Investigation Underway: The AAIB, Essex Police, and related authorities are conducting a comprehensive investigation.
- Airport Operations: Southend Airport remains closed; updates are expected tomorrow. Passengers are advised to coordinate with airlines for cancellations or rebookings.
- Further Details Pending: Cause still unknown, possible mechanical failure or pilot error among considerations. Participant numbers and casualty reports are awaited.
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Date & Time | July 13, 2025, ~4 p.m. local |
| Aircraft | Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, Zeusch Aviation |
| Fatalities | 4 (all onboard) |
| Victims Identified | Captain Danny Franken; First Officer Floris Rhee; Dr. Matthias Eyl; Nurse Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz |
| Emergency Response | Fire, ambulance, air ambulance, evacuated nearby facilities |
| Investigation | AAIB and police; inquests adjourned to June 2026 |
| Airport Status | Closed → Partially reopened July 16 → Fully reopened July 17 |
| Flight Route | Athens → Pula → Southend → planned return to Lelystad |
CONCLUSION: A DREADFUL DAY IN UK AVIATION
The London Southend plane crash of July 13, 2025, will be remembered as one of the most chilling aviation incidents in recent UK history. While questions still outnumber answers, what remains certain is the extraordinary response from emergency personnel and the heartbreak shared by many awaiting news of their loved ones.
The nation watches closely as investigators seek the truth behind the tragedy and hopes for closure for those affected.
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