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Southend Airport plane crash latest as official issues ‘closure’ update | UK | News

London Southend Airport will stay “closed until further notice” following a deadly plane crash on Sunday, the flight hub’s CEO Jude Winstanley has said. Speaking at a press conference at the airport this afternoon, Mr Winstanley said: “On behalf of everyone at London Southend Airport, I would like to offer our sincere condolences to the families and friends of those lost in yesterday’s tragic incident.

“We would also like to thank our local community for their messages of support and understanding at this difficult time. Our staff are working closely with the emergency services and air accident investigators to support their work. I would like to thank them for all of their hard work during this period.

“We are in constant dialog with our operating airlines, and as I’m sure everyone will understand, the airport will remain closed until further notice. Passengers should contact their airline for information and advice.”

The plane crashed shortly before 4pm on Sunday shortly after takeoff, police said. The aircraft had been bound for Lelystad in Netherlands, a city east of Amsterdam.

Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin confirmed that all four people onboard died in the crash.

Ch Supt Cronin says they are all believed to be foreign nationals and police are working to confirm their identities. “Those who have passed away will be treated with the utmost care and dignity,” he added.

Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: “Our detectives and forensic teams are working in parallel with air accident investigators, the Royal Air Force, Essex Fire and Rescue Service and London Southend Airport to build an accurate picture of what happened.

“To aid our investigation, the Civil Aviation Authority has put in place a significant air exclusion zone surrounding the crash site.

“We’re also speaking with dozens of witnesses, some of whom have already provided video footage, and we’d like to thank them for their help. I know this would be an extremely distressing scene for them.

“I know there will be a lot of questions about what happened here yesterday. We are doing all we can to establish the facts and get those answers.

“We will provide further updates as soon as we practically can.”

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), which investigates civil aircraft accidents and serious incidents within the UK, said inquiries are taking place into what caused the tragedy.

A spokeswoman said: “A multi-disciplinary team including inspectors with expertise in aircraft operations, human factors, engineering and recorded data arrived at the accident site yesterday afternoon.

“Inquiries are ongoing today.”

BBC News is reporting that the plane involved was a Beech B200 Super King Air.

Textron Aviation, owner of the Beechcraft brand that produces Beech B200 Super King Airs, has been approached for comment.

Zeusch Aviation, the operator of the aircraft, said in a statement: “We can confirm that Zeusch Aviation flight SUZ1 was involved in an accident today at London Southend Airport.

“We are actively supporting the authorities with the investigation and will provide updates on this page as more information becomes available.

“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected,” the Dutch firm added.

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