Pilots Of Southend Plane Waved At Children Moments Before Horrific Crash

Last Updated:July 14, 2025, 11:56 IST

John Johnson was with his wife and children at the airport. He recalled a heartwarming gesture by the pilots saying, 'they waved back,' when the children waved at them.

Private Jet Crashes Moments After Takeoff

The pilots of the plane that crashed in a fiery explosion shortly after takeoff from Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon waved at the children just moments before the accident.

Horrific scenes unfolded after the crash, with images shared on social media showing a plume of fire and thick black smoke rising from the site. The aircraft involved is reported to be 12 metres (39 feet) in length.

John Johnson, who was at the airport with his wife and children, described the heartwarming gesture by the pilots. He said that before the plane got into position for take-off, he and his family waved at the pilots, and “they all waved back at us".

Recounting the horror that followed moments later, he said, “It took off and about three or four seconds after taking off, it started to bank heavily to its left, and then within a few seconds of that happening, it more or less inverted and crashed just head-first into the ground," he was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

The tragic crash occurred at approximately 3:58 p.m., prompting a major emergency response and bringing airport operations to a halt. London Southend Airport in Essex announced that it had closed operations until further notice.

“All flights to and from the airport have been cancelled while police, emergency services and air accident investigators are attending the incident," London Southend Airport said in a post on X.

Following the accident, Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she is receiving regular updates and extended her sympathies to those affected. “My thoughts are with all those involved," she posted on X, urging the public to avoid the area.

At Rochford Hundred Golf Club, located adjacent to the airport, staff and visitors recalled feeling the impact of the explosion. James Philpott, a bartender on the course, said he was inside a small hut when the heatwave hit. “I looked up and saw a huge fireball at least 100 feet high. It felt like I was baking," he was quoted as saying by The Independent.

Southend Airport stated that it is working closely with the authorities and will release further information as the investigation progresses.

London, United Kingdom (UK)

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