A dad out planespotting with his young daughter has recalled the horror moment they saw a small plane crash into a ‘fireball’ yards from the runway at Southend Airport
A dad who was plane spotting with his daughter at Southend Airport has recalled the horrifying moment they witnessed the jet ‘violently’ crashing after takeoff.
Ben Guppy, 34, had taken his 15-month-old daughter to watch the planes take off and land at the Essex airport- but what should have been a fun day out ended in disaster when they witnesses a horror plane crash.
The family from Benfleet, Essex, were plane spotting from the bar and restaurant on the fifth floor of a nearby Holiday Inn when the tragic crash unfolded before their eyes.
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Just before 4pm yesterday, a small plane which is reported to be a medijet with medical equipment onboard, was heading to the Netherlands but reached just 175ft before crashing yards from the runway.
Mr Guppy, a wholesale director, described how the crowd in the bar began screaming as they realised what had happened. He said: “I just looked around like “Am I dreaming?” I turned to my wife Jess, who had her hands over her face. She was pretty much in tears. She’s still pretty upset about it all.”
It is unclear how many people were onboard the plane at the time, but it is thought to be able to carry up to 12 passengers.
According to MailOnline Mr Guppy said he saw the plane reach ‘probably 50 metres off the runway’ before the plane began tilting left. He said: “My daughter was pointing at it and then it listed to the left. The left wing came down, the ring wing came up, I thought “He’s keen to go left as soon as he takes off.
“He’s banking hard left and then the next thing you know, it’s like another handbrake turn. He went left so violently and I thought “What is he doing?” He was only about 100 metres up by this point.
“And then he corkscrewed upside down into the floor, the plane was only in the air for seconds. I looked at it and the fireball went up, there was fire and smoke everywhere. Luckily my daughter was facing the other way.”
Mr Guppy explained they were about 500 metres away on the fifth floor, so were unable to help. Instead he said: “We decided to get our daughter out of there. Driving home I did have a lump in my throat and goosebumps. Everyone was pulled over at the side of the road watching the smoke.”
An airport spokesman said last night: “Due to a serious incident today at London Southend Airport, we regret to advise that the airport is closed 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.
“We ask that any passengers due to travel tomorrow (Monday, July 14) via London Southend Airport contact their airline for information and advice.
“Our thoughts are with those affected by today’s events and all passengers impacted by this disruption. We will restart flight operations as soon as possible and will continue to update the public on developments.”
Essex Police, ambulances and fire engines were all at the scene and the cops have set up a dedicated phone line for information or questions.
Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin urged the public to call 0800 0961011, international callers were directed to 0207 1580126 and a Major Incident Public Portal is available.
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