Four people, including two Dutch nationals, have died after a small plane crashed near London Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon. None of the occupants survived the accident.
The pilot and co-pilot are both of Dutch nationality, a spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs told NU.nl. They are two men. The ministry is in close contact with their families.
The identities of the other two victims are still unknown. According to Sky News, they are two passengers, including a nurse from Chile. The local police have not yet confirmed this information. They only report that the victims were not of British nationality.
The plane crashed shortly after takeoff on Sunday, near the runway. The aircraft was en route to Lelystad Airport. Witnesses told British media that they saw a large fireball when the plane crashed. The accident was also visible from the departure hall of the airport.
The Dutch owner of the aircraft, Zeusch Aviation, confirmed the accident on Monday and said it was providing “active support” in the investigation into the cause. Zeusch Aviation specializes in medical evacuations and transplant flights, and also provides private charters. It is unclear whether the plane was on a medical evacuation on Sunday or whether a patient was on board during the crash.
The Dutch Safety Board (OVV) is involved in the investigation into the accident with the Dutch aircraft. The investigation was started immediately after the crash “in accordance with international protocols”, a spokesperson told ANP. There are no OVV investigators on site in England, but the council can “assist from the Netherlands with the questions that the British ask”.
Southend Airport is closed until further notice and flights have been cancelled. It is one of the smaller airports around the English capital London. Approximately ten commercial flights land and depart every day.
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