Medical plane crashes after takeoff in UK

A small medical aircraft has crashed shortly after takeoff from Southend Airport in Essex, southwest England, on Sunday afternoon (July 14), sending debris and flames across the runway, reports The Guardian.

The Beechcraft B-200, a 12-meter-long plane used to transport patients, broke apart mid-air and caught fire around 4.00pm local time.

The aircraft was bound for the Netherlands, carrying medical equipment and personnel.

Emergency services, including police, fire crews, and ambulance teams, rushed to the scene. The Essex County Fire Service worked to extinguish the blaze, while the East of England Ambulance Service dispatched four ambulances and an air ambulance to assist.

Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of people on board, nor whether there were any injuries. Police are investigating the cause of the crash.

Southend Airport has been closed indefinitely as emergency operations continue. Essex Police have advised the public to avoid the area.