On Sunday afternoon, a small aircraft tragically crashed at London Southend Airport, resulting in a dramatic fireball and thick plumes of black smoke that could be seen from miles away across Essex. In the wake of this serious incident, emergency services swiftly arrived at the scene to manage the situation, as police have labeled the crash a “serious incident.”

The catastrophic event occurred just before 4 p.m. local time, when Essex Police received multiple reports detailing a collision involving a 12-metre (39-foot) aircraft. Initial investigations suggest that the plane was a small business jet, which was reportedly on its way to Lelystad in the Netherlands at the time of the accident.

As of now, authorities have not confirmed the number of individuals on board the aircraft, leaving the public in suspense about potential casualties and injuries. This lack of information has raised concerns and questions among locals and those following the news.

Witnesses have described the horrifying scene, with unverified images circulating on social media showing a massive fireball erupting above the airport shortly after the crash. The loud explosion was reported by residents in surrounding areas, heightening fears about the safety of those nearby.

In an official statement, Essex Police confirmed their ongoing presence at the site, stating, “We remain on the scene of a serious incident at Southend Airport. We are working with all emergency services at the scene now, and that work will be ongoing for several hours.”

In response to the crash, the East of England Ambulance Service mobilized four ambulances along with several response units to assist in emergency operations. Fire crews and police officers are actively involved in managing the incident and ensuring public safety.

Due to the crash, flight operations have been significantly disrupted. The airport’s website indicated that at least five international flights have been canceled as a safety precaution. Authorities are urging the public to avoid the area to enable emergency responders to do their work without obstruction.

Local Member of Parliament, David Burton-Sampson, expressed his concern for those affected by the incident. In a statement shared on social media, he urged residents to steer clear of the airport, stating, “My thoughts are with everyone involved.” His remarks echoed the sentiments of many who are anxiously awaiting further updates on this developing situation.