Southend Airport Closed After Small Plane Crash

A small Beechcraft B200 aircraft crashed and burst into flames shortly after takeoff from Southend Airport in Essex, prompting the immediate closure of the airport and grounding of flights.

Eyewitnesses reported the plane banking heavily before inverting and hitting the ground in a fireball.

Emergency services evacuated nearby facilities and urged the public to avoid the area while investigation teams work to determine the cause.