Two killed in light aircraft crash in Essex
Two people have died after a light aircraft crashed in a field.
Essex Police said the two were believed to be the only occupants of the aircraft, when it came down off Gravel Lane in Chigwell, shortly before 10.20am.
The aircraft is believed to be an eight seater Beech 200 King Air.
In a statement, police said: “We now believe there to have been two people on board the light aircraft which crashed in the field off Gravel Lane in Chigwell. Sadly they both died.
“The scene has been cordoned off. There are various road closures in the local area affecting Abridge Road at the junction with Gravel Lane, Millers Lane, Lambourne Road and Pudding Lane.”
The statement added: “We would urge people not to attend the scene. Further updates will be given in due course.''
East of England Ambulance Service said it has an ambulance crew, rapid response vehicle, two ambulance officers, and the hazardous area response team on scene.
Essex County Fire and Rescue Service have also been called to the scene.
A spokesman said: “On arrival crews reported that the aircraft was 100% alight.
“Crews are wearing breathing apparatus and using two hose reel jets to extinguish the fire.”
Road closures and diversions remain in place while emergency services work at the scene.
Police are still trying to determine where the aircraft was flying to and from.
However, a spokesman for Stapleford Aerodrome, around five miles from the crash site, said the aircraft’s route did not include its premises.
Eyewitnesses reported hearing a ``loud bang'' and ``the ground shaking'' as the aircraft came down.
The crash happened a short distance away from where members of the Girl Guides were camping.
A spokeswoman said: “Our site is completely safe and unaffected by the crash.
“They were about three fields away, so everyone is safe.”
