Southend Plane Crash: Nurse Killed in ‘Fireball’ Was on First Day of New Job
A nurse tragically killed in Sunday’s private jet crash at Southend Airport was on her first day working for a medical flight provider, friends have confirmed.
The 31-year-old woman, described as a “dedicated medic,” had recently taken a new role after leaving her hospital post and was aboard the Beechcraft B200 Super King Air when it crashed shortly after takeoff. The plane nose-dived and exploded into a fireball, killing all four people onboard.
The aircraft, operated by Dutch-based Zeusch Aviation, had been preparing to depart for Lelystad in the Netherlands at around 3:45pm on Sunday when it lost control during takeoff.
‘She Didn’t Tell Anyone — It Was Her First Day’
A close friend of the nurse said:
“She was married just last year and had recently taken a job with a private medical firm. No one knew this was her first day. It’s absolutely devastating.”
The woman’s wife is said to be “beside herself with grief” and unable to speak with authorities at this stage.
Crash Witnessed by Families and Plane Spotters
Witnesses at Rochford Hundred Golf Club, near the runway, said they saw the jet bank sharply, corkscrew mid-air, and plunge head-first into the ground moments after takeoff.
“The pilots waved at the kids before powering up,” said witness John Johnson. “Then it lifted, banked sharply left, inverted, and smashed down. There was an enormous fireball.”
Emergency services rushed to the scene, but none of the four people aboard survived.
Investigation Underway
Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin of Essex Police confirmed the victims were all foreign nationals, and work is ongoing to identify them formally.
“Those who have passed away will be treated with the utmost care and dignity,” he said.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has deployed a multi-disciplinary team to the site to determine the cause of the crash, working alongside police forensics teams and the Civil Aviation Authority.
Zeusch Aviation Confirms Fatal Incident
Zeusch Aviation, which specialises in medical flights, aerial mapping, and organ transport missions, issued a statement:
“Our thoughts are with everyone affected. We are fully cooperating with authorities to understand what caused this tragic accident.”
Southend Airport Remains Closed
London Southend Airport remains closed until further notice. Chief Executive Jude Winstanley advised passengers to check with their airlines as all flights have been suspended.
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