The 40-foot Beech B200 plane was travelling to the Netherlands from Essex Airport, but it only made it 175 feet before crashing a few yards from the runway.
Social media users have started sharing videos of a black smoke cloud rising into the sky, one of which shows nearby passengers boarding another aircraft.According to Flightradar, the aircraft to Lelystad, which is east of Amsterdam, was supposed to depart at 3:45 p.m., but it actually took off ten minutes later than planned.
Although the exact number of passengers is unknown, the twin-engine, turboprop aircraft, which is thought to be 31 years old, can accommodate up to 12 people. The pilots were observed waving to kids while the aircraft was taxiing.
Fire engines, ambulances, and Essex Police were all present at the scene. The police have established a special phone line for enquiries or information.
A broad cordon has been erected around the area, residents are being warned to avoid it, and many Easyjet flights from Southend have been cancelled.
John Johnson, who was at the airport with his family when the plane crashed “headfirst into the ground” and burst into a “big fireball,” is one of the families who have been devastated by the traumatic disaster.
The father said, “We all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us. About three or four seconds after taking off, it started to bank heavily to its left, and then within a few seconds of that happening, it more or less inverted and crashed.”
“There was a big fireball. Obviously, everybody was in shock in terms of witnessing it. All the kids saw it and the families saw it.”
Essex Police’s 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.”
In addition to directing foreign callers to 0207 1580126 and offering a Major Incident Public Portal, she encouraged the public to phone 0800 0961011.
She added, “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.”