A devastating aviation incident has shaken the outskirts of London after a small medical transport plane crashed shortly after takeoff at Southend Airport. The crash occurred on Sunday afternoon and claimed the lives of all four people onboard. Among the deceased was a flight nurse who, according to friends, was on her very first day on the job.
The Beech B200 Super King Air was carrying a pilot, co-pilot, a nurse, and a doctor when it went down soon after takeoff. Within seconds, the aircraft was engulfed in a massive fireball, with black smoke billowing across the sky above the Essex coastline. Witnesses described the crash as horrifying, with one onlooker stating it was one of the most haunting scenes they had ever witnessed. Emergency services rushed to the scene but could do little as the aircraft was already ablaze.
The nurse, identified as 31-year-old Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, was a German national who had recently taken up the role. Friends and colleagues described her as compassionate and full of life. One friend, Anna Smith, told the BBC that Maria had a giving heart and was incredibly humble. She had been excited about starting this new chapter in her career and had looked forward to helping people through medical transport. Her death has sent shockwaves through both her professional circle and her loved ones.
As of Tuesday, Essex Police confirmed that three bodies had been recovered from the crash site, with the fourth expected to be retrieved within the next 24 hours. The painstaking work continues as investigators examine the debris and attempt to determine the cause of the crash.
Southend Airport has remained closed since the incident. All flights have been canceled, and airport authorities have yet to announce a reopening date. The closure has impacted several domestic and international travelers, with passengers being advised to check with their airlines for updates and rebookings.
The crash has raised urgent questions about the safety of small aircraft operating from regional airports, especially when used for sensitive services like medical transport. Authorities have yet to comment on what caused the aircraft to go down, but a full-scale investigation is underway. Experts from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch have arrived at the scene and are collaborating with airport staff and emergency personnel to piece together what happened in the final moments of the flight.
The tragedy has cast a somber mood over the local community in Southend-on-Sea. Tributes have begun to pour in for all four individuals, especially Maria, whose story of starting a new job only to lose her life has deeply moved the public.
While the cause remains unknown, this incident has once again highlighted the risks faced by medical teams who serve in the skies. These professionals dedicate their lives to saving others and often work in challenging environments far from the safety of a hospital.
As recovery efforts continue, the airport is expected to remain closed for several more days. Flights will likely be rerouted through other London-area airports, causing potential delays and travel disruptions.
Travelers are urged to follow official airline and airport updates and allow additional time for schedule changes and cancellations.
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