Small plane involved in 'serious incident' at Southend Airport
Emergency services were called to the scene at around 4pm
Last updated 14th Jul 2025
A plane has been involved in a collision at Southend Airport in a "serious incident".
In a statement, Essex Police said they remain on the scene of a "serious incident" and were alerted shortly before 4pm on Sunday to "reports of a collision involving one 12-metre plane".
Images posted on social media show a plume of fire and black smoke coming up from the crash site at the Essex airport.
As a precaution because of their proximity to the incident, police said they are evacuating the Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club.
A Southend Airport spokesperson said:
"We can confirm there has been a serious incident at London Southend Airport this afternoon involving a general aviation aircraft.
"We are working closely with the local authorities and will be able to provide more information as soon as possible."
In a statement, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service said: "We were called to an incident involving a light aircraft at Southend Airport today at 3.58pm.
"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."
The East of England Ambulance Service said four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, four hazardous area response team vehicles, three senior paramedic cars and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance have been sent to the incident.
According to the airport's website, four flights scheduled to take off on Sunday afternoon have been cancelled.
In a post on X, David Burton-Sampson, Labour MP for Southend West and Leigh, said: "I am aware of an incident at Southend Airport.
"Please keep away and allow the emergency services to do their work.
"My thoughts are with everyone involved."
Matt Dent, Southend City Council's cabinet member for business, culture, music and tourism, said on X: "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."
Police remain on the scene alongside fire and ambulance services, the force added.
Online information portal opened
Essex Police now have a dedicated online portal and phone line for those with information or questions following a serious incident at Southend Airport.
Most importantly, those with information can get in touch with us through our dedicated Major Incident Public Portal, and through a dedicated phone line, 0800 0961011. International callers can use 0207 1580126.
Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: “In these very early stages it is vital we gather the information we need, and continue supporting the people of Essex. Please help us keep our emergency lines open by using these specific channels if you’re contacting us about this incident. We are working closely with all at the scene, as well as the Air Accident Investigation Branch, to establish what has happened today and why. I fully appreciate the desire for more information in this matter, and we will share as much as we can when we can throughout our work. But it is vital for all involved that this investigation is carried out thoroughly and correctly, and to do that we will all need time.”
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