A German citizen born in Chile was among four people killed when a medical transport plane crashed and exploded shortly after departing from London Southend Airport on Sunday afternoon, July 13, 2025.
Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, 31, was serving her first shift as a flight nurse aboard a Beech B200 Super King Air when the aircraft plummeted nose-first into the ground at around 3:48 p.m. The plane, operated by Zeusch Aviation, had earlier dropped off a patient at the Essex airport and was on its way back to its base in Lelystad, Netherlands.
Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin of Essex Police reported that none of the four people onboard survived the crash. The victims included Rojas Ortiz, two Dutch pilots, and a fourth individual whose nationality has not been disclosed. Cronin stated that all four appeared to be foreign nationals, with authorities still working to formally identify them.
Previously employed as a nurse in the public health sector, Rojas Ortiz had recently joined the private medical firm. Friends recalled that she married her partner in February 2024 and had been enthusiastic about her new job. Anna Smith, a friend, said that Rojas Ortiz was “the kindest soul” and was thrilled to start her new role.
On Sunday, the aircraft had completed a multi-leg journey, flying from Athens, Greece to Pula, Croatia, before arriving at Southend. Flight tracking data recorded the plane taxiing and preparing for takeoff, but it left the runway during departure. Flightradar24 showed the aircraft took off at 3:48 p.m., en route to Lelystad when the accident happened.
John Johnson, who witnessed the event while at the airport with his family, described what he saw in the moments before the disaster. He said his family waved to the pilots, who waved back, just before the aircraft turned to line up with the runway. Johnson recalled that the takeoff appeared normal, but within seconds the plane banked sharply to the left, rolled over, and crashed nose-first, causing a massive fireball.
The Beech B200 Super King Air is a twin-engine turboprop designed to carry around 12 people and was fitted with medical equipment for patient transport. Zeusch Aviation confirmed that its flight SUZ1 was involved in the crash and said the company was working closely with investigators.
Emergency services responded immediately, with the East of England Ambulance Service dispatching four ambulances, a rapid response vehicle, four hazardous area response units, three senior paramedic cars, and the Essex and Herts Air Ambulance. Essex County Fire and Rescue Service also sent four crews and off-road support vehicles to tackle the incident.
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch has launched a thorough investigation. Lisa Fitzsimons, a senior AAIB inspector, said a team of eight specialists in flight operations, human factors, engineering, and data analysis had been deployed to the site. She stressed that it was too soon to determine the cause, but assured that any critical safety findings would be used to prevent future tragedies.
To support the investigation, the Civil Aviation Authority established a large air exclusion zone around the crash site. London Southend Airport remained closed following the accident, with all flights either canceled or diverted. EasyJet, a major carrier at the airport, confirmed that the rest of its flights were rerouted or suspended.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer shared his condolences in a statement on social media, acknowledging the loss of four lives and expressing gratitude to the emergency crews who responded. Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said she was monitoring the situation closely and receiving regular updates.
Friends of Rojas Ortiz set up a GoFundMe campaign to support her family, affectionately referring to her as “beloved Feña” and expressing deep grief over her passing. The fundraiser aims to help cover costs related to transfers, paperwork, potential travel, and arrangements for a respectful farewell. The page indicated that her remains would be brought back to Chile so she could be laid to rest beside her father.
The investigation involves several agencies working together, including Essex Police detectives and forensic teams, the Air Accidents Investigation Branch, the Royal Air Force, Essex County Fire and Rescue Service, and London Southend Airport. Officials are interviewing witnesses and analyzing video footage from those who saw the crash.