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London Southend Airport reopens after four killed in plane crash | |
(32 minutes later) | |
Aerial video shows the plane crash site and wreckage | |
Flights have been allowed to resume at London Southend Airport three days after a plane crash that killed four people. | Flights have been allowed to resume at London Southend Airport three days after a plane crash that killed four people. |
The Essex airport was shut after nurse Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, the aircraft's pilot and co-pilot and a fourth person died there on Sunday. | |
Four EasyJet flights were allowed to land on Wednesday, with normal operations expected to resume on Thursday. | |
"Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives on Sunday," an airport spokesperson said. | "Our thoughts remain with the families and friends of those who tragically lost their lives on Sunday," an airport spokesperson said. |
Witnesses described seeing a "fireball" when the Beech B200 Super King Air crashed and exploded shortly before 16:00 BST. | Witnesses described seeing a "fireball" when the Beech B200 Super King Air crashed and exploded shortly before 16:00 BST. |
The plane was operated by Zeusch Aviation, which specialises in medical evacuations and is based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands. | The plane was operated by Zeusch Aviation, which specialises in medical evacuations and is based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands. |
It had flown from the Greek capital Athens to Pula in Croatia before flying to Southend ahead of another journey to Lelystad. | |
A timeline of the light aircraft crash at London Southend | |
The fourth and final person on board has now been moved from the crash site. | |
A Essex Police spokesperson said victim identification was under way. | |
"It is complex work, overseen by a panel of experts which is chaired by HM coroner, and it is only when they are satisfied that the identities of those involved in the crash will be formally confirmed." | |
Ch Supt Morgan Cronin said: "I'd like to thank every agency involved in this complex investigative process. | |
"Additionally, thank you to London Southend Airport, Rochford Hundred Golf Club and Westcliff Rugby Football Club – the impact of this and time taken is not lost on us, and their support is greatly appreciated." | |
A multi-authority investigation was launched after the crash, involving the Air Accidents Investigation Branch and the RAF. | |
"Throughout the course of this week, we have continued to support the air investigation team," the airport spokesperson said. | "Throughout the course of this week, we have continued to support the air investigation team," the airport spokesperson said. |
They stressed it had been an "incredibly difficult time" for staff and passengers. | They stressed it had been an "incredibly difficult time" for staff and passengers. |
"The understanding and kindness shown by our local community has been incredible, and we are grateful for their support," they added. | "The understanding and kindness shown by our local community has been incredible, and we are grateful for their support," they added. |
Essex Police said: "The aircraft is being carefully dismantled to move into the next phase of the investigation, being carried out in parallel with the Air Accident Investigation Branch." | |
Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz was one of four people who died in the crash | Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz was one of four people who died in the crash |
The four people killed in the crash have not been formally named, although the BBC understands that Ms Rojaz Ortiz was among the victims. | |
Her friend Anna Smith told the BBC it was her first day as a flight nurse. | Her friend Anna Smith told the BBC it was her first day as a flight nurse. |
"She had a giving heart and was humble, and chose a profession that reflected that," said Ms Smith. | |
"She was so excited for this new job." | "She was so excited for this new job." |
Friends have set up a fundraising campaign to raise money to repatriate her remains to Chile, so she can be buried next to her father. | Friends have set up a fundraising campaign to raise money to repatriate her remains to Chile, so she can be buried next to her father. |
Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. | Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. |
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