A small aircraft crashed at London Southend Airport in Essex, England, on Sunday afternoon, killing all four people on board.
The incident took place around 4 p.m. local time and prompted a major emergency response.
Essex Police and multiple emergency services rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a crash involving a 12-metre plane.
The aircraft had landed at the airport earlier in the day and was departing for the Netherlands when it ran into trouble shortly after takeoff. The plane came down within the airport boundary.
Authorities have said that the people on board are believed to be foreign nationals, although formal identification is still in progress.
The identities of the victims are being confirmed, and police said they are supporting the families involved during this difficult time.
The aircraft belonged to Zeusch Aviation, which confirmed that its flight, SUZ1, was the one involved in the crash. The company is cooperating with officials as the investigation continues.
Emergency services, including ambulances, rapid response teams, and an air ambulance, were dispatched to the site.
Due to the crash’s location, nearby areas such as Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Club were cleared as a safety measure.
The airport has suspended all operations until further notice. Passengers planning to travel were advised to contact their airlines for updates.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has sent a team to examine the crash and determine what caused the incident.
London Southend Airport, situated roughly an hour east of central London near the coastline, confirmed that the crash involved a general aviation aircraft and stated they are working closely with emergency services and investigators.