Explosion as ‘plane crashes moments after takeoff’ at Southend Airport

Those onboard had reportedly been waving to people on the ground before takeoff (Picture: UKNIP)

A small passenger plane has crashed just after taking off from Southend Airport for the Netherlands.

Photos of the small Beech B200 aircraft in flames are being circulated on social media, with witnesses saying it went up into a ‘fireball’.

The plane was scheduled to fly to Lelystad in the Netherlands, according to initial reports.

Essex Police and ambulance crews are responding to the scene.