Southend-on-Sea, Essex, UK – July 13th – A terrifying scene unfolded at Southend Airport this afternoon as a small passenger plane crashed shortly after takeoff, erupting into a billow of fire and thick black smoke. Emergency services are currently rushing to the scene following reports of a 'huge fireball' witnessed by onlookers.

The aircraft, identified as a Beech B200, was reportedly bound for Lelystad in the Netherlands when the incident occurred. Visuals from the airport show dark smoke billowing intensely from the crash site, with the plane engulfed in flames.

Witnesses at the airport described a dramatic and alarming sight.

The full extent of the incident, including any casualties or the precise cause of the crash, remains unclear at this time.

Airport authorities have yet to release an official statement regarding the incident, and it is anticipated that a full investigation will be launched to determine the circumstances leading to the crash.