A heartbreaking aviation tragedy unfolded on Sunday afternoon as a small aircraft crashed at London’s Southend Airport, killing all four people on board. Among the deceased was Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, a 31-year-old nurse who had just started her first day as a flight nurse.
Maria, a German citizen born in Chile, had dedicated her early career to the public healthcare sector before taking on her new role in aerial medical evacuation. Friends say she was full of optimism, excited to begin this next chapter in her life.
A Life Cut Short on Day One
Maria’s friend, Anna Smith, shared emotional memories of her late friend in an interview with the BBC.
“She had such a kind and giving soul. Maria was humble, full of love, and always wanted to help others,” Smith said. “She had just gotten married in February 2024. Starting this new job meant so much to her.”
Smith also described Maria as vibrant, outgoing, and full of life. Her loss has left her family and friends reeling.
“She wanted so much more from life. Everyone is struggling right now. We just can’t believe this is real,” she added.
To help return Maria’s remains to Chile so she can be buried beside her father, loved ones have launched a GoFundMe campaign.
Aircraft Details and Flight Path
The aircraft involved in the accident was a Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, a twin-engine turboprop used for specialized operations. The plane was operated by Zeusch Aviation, a company based in Lelystad, Netherlands, known for medical evacuation flights, private charters, and aerial filming.
Prior to the crash, the plane had flown from Athens (Greece) to Pula (Croatia) and was headed to Lelystad after its brief stop in Southend.
Tragically, the plane crashed Southend Airport shortly after touching down. The incident triggered a powerful explosion and fire, leaving no survivors. Both the Dutch pilot and co-pilot were also killed in the incident. Their names have not yet been released by authorities.
Immediate Response and Airport Shutdown
Emergency services, including Essex Police, fire brigades, and paramedics, rushed to the site. A major air exclusion zone was quickly set up by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) around the crash area.
As a result, all flights scheduled for Monday were either cancelled or rerouted to nearby airports. Passengers were advised to check directly with their airlines for updates.
Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin of Essex Police emphasized that the deceased would be “treated with the utmost respect and dignity” as investigations continue.
Tributes from Leaders and the Public
The tragedy has sparked national and international grief. UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer posted on X (formerly Twitter):
“Terrible news that four people tragically lost their lives in yesterday’s plane crash at Southend Airport. My thoughts are with their families and loved ones. I also want to thank all the emergency responders who attended the scene.”
Ongoing Investigation and Dutch Reaction
Zeusch Aviation confirmed that it is fully cooperating with local authorities and investigators. The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has begun examining the site, collecting wreckage data and pilot logs to determine what caused the fatal crash.
At Lelystad Airport, where the airline is based, the atmosphere has been somber. A BBC correspondent reported seeing the Dutch flag lowered to half-mast and security staff visibly shaken.
One local pilot shared with reporters that many employees knew one another personally, and that the loss was being felt across the close-knit aviation community.
“We’re more than colleagues — we’re like family here,” the pilot said.
The incident in which a plane crashed Southend Airport has left a deep void in the hearts of many across Europe and South America. For Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, a bright and compassionate nurse starting a new journey, it was a dream tragically cut short.
As investigations unfold, the focus remains on understanding what caused the crash, ensuring accountability, and honoring the lives lost in this devastating event.
