Daily Updates News 
Firefighters and paramedics at the scene of a small aircraft crash at London Southend Airport on July 13, 2025.
A serious incident occurred at London Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon as a small aircraft caught fire after a crash, authorities have confirmed. Essex Police reported that emergency services were alerted shortly before 4:00 PM BST about a 12-metre-long plane ablaze at the site in Southend-on-Sea.
The situation prompted a multi-agency emergency response, including fire crews, ambulance services, and police units, who rushed to the scene to manage the crisis. The East of England Ambulance Service confirmed that four emergency vehicles were dispatched, including a rapid response unit, a hazardous area team, and a senior paramedic.
While the full extent of injuries or casualties has not yet been confirmed, emergency services remain at the location, working in coordination with aviation partners to secure the area and assess the situation.
🔥 Large-Scale Emergency Response
A spokesperson for Essex Police released an official statement saying:
“We are working with all emergency services at the scene now and that work will be ongoing for several hours. We would please ask the public to avoid this area where possible while this work continues.”
Authorities have also confirmed that nearby venues were evacuated as a precaution. Among them were the Rochford Hundred Golf Club and the Westcliff Rugby Club, both located in close proximity to the crash site. Police cited the need for public safety and room for emergency crews to operate efficiently.
Eyewitnesses at the Westcliff Rugby Club reported that a community presentation event was taking place at the time the crash occurred. The event was halted as emergency personnel requested evacuations and secured the area.
Image Creadit : Frazer Brooks
🚒 Fire and Rescue Crews on the Scene
According to the Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, the first emergency call came in at 15:58 BST. Fire crews were quickly mobilized from multiple surrounding stations.
“Crews from Southend (two), Rayleigh Weir and Basildon (two), along with off-road vehicles from Billericay and Chelmsford attended. We are continuing to work at the scene with our emergency services and aviation partners,” said a fire service spokesperson.
The fire service also issued a request for residents and onlookers to stay away from the airport and surrounding areas to allow responders the space needed to work safely and efficiently.
🗣 Local Officials React to the Crash
Local and national leaders have responded with statements of support and concern as details of the incident continue to emerge.
David Burton-Sampson, Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, posted a message on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), stating:
“My thoughts are with everyone involved.”
Matt Dent, Southend City Council’s cabinet member for business, culture, music and tourism, also acknowledged the severity of the situation online:
“I am aware of the live serious incident ongoing at London Southend Airport. At present all I know is that a small plane has crashed at the airport. My thoughts are with all those involved, and with the emergency services currently responding to the incident.”
Their comments reflect the community’s growing concern, particularly given the scale of the emergency response and the proximity to populated local venues.
🛫 Details of the Aircraft Remain Limited
As of now, there is no confirmation on the aircraft’s origin, destination, or the number of people on board. Investigations are ongoing, and officials have not released information on possible mechanical failures, weather-related factors, or pilot error.
Authorities have not yet identified the airline or ownership of the small plane. It is also not known whether it was a private aircraft, training flight, or part of a charter service.
🚧 Area Under Lockdown, Public Asked to Stay Clear
As investigations continue, large sections of the airport and surrounding roads remain cordoned off. Police, paramedics, and fire crews are expected to stay at the scene for several more hours, possibly extending into the night depending on the complexity of the investigation and recovery operations.
Travelers heading to or from London Southend Airport have been advised to check with their airlines for flight delays or cancellations. Access to the terminal has reportedly been restricted.
📰 Conclusion
The crash of a 12-metre small aircraft at London Southend Airport has triggered a massive emergency response from all major services in the Essex area. Though the cause remains unknown, officials are working around the clock to ensure public safety and determine what went wrong.
With nearby clubs evacuated and emergency services fully deployed, the community watches and waits for more updates. Thoughts remain with those affected by the crash and with the heroic first responders tackling the aftermath.
