The aviation incident unfolded on Sunday afternoon when a 12-meter-long aircraft veered off at Southend Airport in Essex, southeast England. Essex Police said they were alerted shortly before 4:00 p.m. local time to reports of a collision on the runway.
Eyewitnesses described a sudden impact and a plume of smoke rising near the tarmac. The East of England Ambulance Service responded swiftly, dispatching four ambulances and four hazardous area response team vehicles to secure the scene and assist any potentially injured passengers or crew.
Essex Police, coordinating with airport staff and other emergency responders, have cordoned off the crash site to determine the cause. While authorities have not confirmed the extent of any injuries, officials emphasize that no fatalities have been reported so far.
Southend Airport, a regional hub connecting travellers across Europe, has seen increasing passenger numbers in recent months. This incident highlights the critical importance of rigorous safety checks and coordinated emergency protocols as air travel continues its post-pandemic rebound.
Investigators are now examining flight data recorders and gathering eyewitness accounts. More details are expected as the probe progresses.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
