London Southend Airport reopens after four killed in plane crash

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.

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.

It had flown from the Greek capital Athens to Pula in Croatia before flying to Southend ahead of another journey to Lelystad.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

“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.”

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.