London Southend Airport has fully reopened its operations following the tragic crash of a Beechcraft Super King Air B200 medical flight on July 13, 2025. The accident, which claimed the lives of all four people on board, shut down the airport for several days and left a community grappling with grief and unanswered questions.
The ill-fated aircraft, operated by Netherlands-based charter airline Zeusch Aviation, burst into flames shortly after take-off around 3:48 PM, crashing back onto the airfield in a devastating fireball. The plane was conducting a medical transport flight destined for the Netherlands, carrying two Dutch pilots, a male doctor, and a nurse named Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, a 31-year-old German citizen originally from Chile. All four aboard were killed in the crash.
Following the incident, the airport was completely closed to traffic until the night of July 16, when limited services resumed. By July 17, London Southend Airport announced it had returned to full commercial operation, with airline partners easyJet and Eastern Airways resuming normal inbound and outbound flights. A spokesperson for the airport expressed that the friends and families of those lost remain at the forefront of their minds, noting that floral tributes have been placed at the south entrance to St Laurence and All Saints Church in Southend-on-Sea, with gratitude extended to the church for facilitating this gesture of remembrance.
Essex Police and emergency teams faced a complex and sensitive operation recovering the victims’ bodies from the wreckage. While three bodies had been recovered by July 15, the final body was only removed the following day. Police confirmed the identities of the deceased would be officially confirmed after a formal identification process. Detective Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin described the ongoing investigation as "incredibly complex," emphasizing the importance of preserving physical and electronic evidence to reconstruct the events leading to the crash.
Witnesses at the scene reported seeing a "fireball" as the plane caught fire, with images of black smoke and flames shared widely on social media. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB), represented by Lisa Fitzsimons, cautioned that it was "too early to speculate" on the cause of the accident. The AAIB and airport authorities continue to work closely on the investigation, aiming to uncover safety lessons that could prevent similar tragedies in the future.
The human stories behind the tragedy have touched many. Among the victims was Dr. Mathias Eyl, 46, remembered fondly in social media tributes as "a doctor, companion and friend" whose warm, honest, and humorous nature shaped his community. Friends described him as a man who listened, tackled challenges head-on, and encouraged others, with his commitment deeply appreciated and his loss immeasurable.
Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, known to friends as Maria Feña Ortiz, was on her first day of work as a nurse when the crash occurred. Married in February 2024, Maria was described by a close friend as having "the kindest soul," a "giving heart," and a humble spirit that led her to choose nursing as a profession. Anna Smith, a friend, told the BBC, "She was so excited for this new job – it was her first day. She was just lovely. She was outgoing. She was fun. She wanted so much more with her life." The shock of her sudden death has left friends and family struggling to come to terms with the loss.
In honor of Maria, a GoFundMe page has been established to support her family with the unexpected expenses arising from the tragedy, including transfers, paperwork, and travel. The fundraiser organizers pledged transparency in reporting contributions and their use, emphasizing the community’s collective grief and support.
Local officials and community members have also come forward to pay tribute. Local Member of Parliament Bayo Alaba (Labour) left flowers and a card at St Laurence and All Saints Church, expressing "deepest sympathy and heartfelt condolences" and acknowledging the community's shared mourning. A community memorial service is scheduled for July 18 at St Andrew’s Church in Rochford, offering a space for collective remembrance and healing.
The crash has not only raised questions about aviation safety but also highlighted the emotional toll on the families and communities connected to those lost. The airport's spokesperson reiterated, "Our team continues to work closely with the Air Accidents Investigation Branch to support their work. We would like to thank our passengers and local community for their understanding during this time." The investigation remains ongoing, with authorities committed to uncovering the full circumstances behind the accident.
As London Southend Airport resumes its full commercial schedule, the memory of those lost remains palpable. The floral tributes at St Laurence and All Saints Church and the upcoming memorial service serve as poignant reminders of lives cut tragically short. While the cause of the crash remains under investigation, the community’s resolve to honor and remember the victims endures.
