London Southend Airport remains closed following a tragic plane crash on Sunday afternoon that left at least one person dead. At around 3:58 p.m. BST, a 12-meter aircraft operated by Dutch charter company Zeusch Aviation crashed shortly after takeoff, erupting into a fireball visible for miles.

The flight, SUZ1, had recently arrived from Athens to Pula and was en route to Lelystad, Netherlands, when it suddenly veered left, flipped, and crashed moments after takeoff. Witnesses described a terrifying explosion and thick smoke rising high into the sky.

Emergency crews responded swiftly but struggled with the intense blaze. While no ground injuries were reported, the airport was evacuated, flights grounded, and passengers left stranded and shaken.

The UK’s Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has recovered the aircraft’s black boxes and launched a full investigation. Although theories of pilot error or mechanical failure have surfaced, officials caution against speculation.

Zeusch Aviation confirmed ownership of the plane and expressed deep sorrow, pledging full cooperation with investigators. The aircraft was used for medical and charter services.

The crash has deeply impacted the local community. Residents voiced concerns about low-flying planes and airport safety. A growing memorial of flowers and notes now stands outside the airport.

Southend Airport’s CEO announced the facility will remain closed until further notice. Affected travelers are advised to contact their airlines for updates and rebooking. As the investigation continues, the community mourns and demands answers—hoping to prevent another tragedy.