A FIREBALL has erupted after a small plane crashed at Southend Airport as emergency services rush to the scene.

The passenger plane crashed just after taking off and can be seen in flames with dark smoke billowing from it.

The Beech B200 was reportedly set to travel to Lelystad in the Netherlands

Witnesses desribed seeing a “huge fireball”  at Southend Airport this afternoon.

ESN Report wrote on X: “Just witnessed a Beechcraft crash on take-off at Southend airport about 40 minutes after a Cessna also left the runway. Thoughts are with those on the aircraft.

“Absolutely tragic. Was waving to the aircrew just moments before.”

MP David Burton-Sampson wrote on X: “I am aware of an incident at Southend Airport.

“Please keep away and allow the emergency services to do their work. My thoughts are with everyone involved.”