BREAKING NEWS: Explosion at Southend Airport hangar – firefighters rush to scene
Thick smoke could be seen billowing from an aircraft hangar seen for miles in dramatic images.
Fire crews were called to the blaze at London Southend Airport 10.42am.
An airport spokesman said it was an Air Livery hangar on the north side of the site that was “burning”.
Seven crews from Southend, Rayleigh, Rochford, Shoeburyness, Hawkwell and Chelmsford were sent to the scene by Essex Fire and Rescue.
Eyewitness Peter Gettings was waiting to board a flight when he noticed the flames.
The 37-year-old physiotherapist said he was told by airport staff that a hangar was ablaze.
He told Essex Live: “I could see the flames from the terminal… it was really thick black smoke.
“London Southend Airport is still open and operating as normal.”
An Essex Fire and Rescue spokesman said: “‘Firefighters have been called to an incident this morning involving an aircraft hangar in Southend Airport.
“When firefighters arrived at the scene they reported the large hangar, which is used to livery aeroplanes, was on fire. Six fire engines were requested to help tackle the fire.
“Firefighters are using a aerial ladder platform to pour water on the large building from above. The officer in charge at the incident reports crews are making good progress.”
The airport is still running a normal service today.
Southend Airport operates flights to and from Germany, Switzerland, Malta, Holland, Spain and France.
