Southend Airport: Nurse killed in plane crash was on first day of her new job

A nurse aboard a private medical jet when itcrashed and erupted into a fireball as it was taking off was on her first day on the job, the Mirror has been told.

Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, 31, is thought to have been on the Beech B200 Super King Air when it nose-dived off the runwayat Southend Airport, Essex, yesterday. Friends today said she was a foreign national and married her partner last year.

A pal said: "They were married last year. It was her first day on the job. She was a hospital nurse but then took a job with a private medical firm, she didn't tell anyone but this was her first day in the job. The firm that owns the plane says there were no survivors."

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The friend added: "Her wife can barely speak, she can't even call the police, she's beside herself. She's absolutely distraught."

And on aGoFundMe page set up to raise cash for Maria's family, friends wrote in Spanish: "It is with great sadness that we confirm the death of our beloved Feña, in a tragic accident that is still being investigated by the authorities. We know that the pain is immense and shared by the many people who loved her and supported her at different stages of her life. In the midst of this difficult time, we want to organise to support her family. This process entails many unexpected expenses—transfers, paperwork, possible travel, and everything necessary to say a proper goodbye.

"We are starting this charity fundraiser among friends, colleagues, and those close to Feña. The idea is to raise funds that will then be delivered directly to her family, so they can use them for whatever they deem most necessary. We will be fully transparent in our reporting of the contributions received and, if the family allows it, how the funds were used.

"Thank you so much for being there, for the love, for the support, and for everything each of you has done during these difficult days. We hug everyone who loved her and we'll stay in touch to support each other and organise. We love you, Feña."

Police have yet to release details of those who died in the crash but today confirmed that all four passengers were killed. Chief Supt Morgan Cronin said the victims were all believed to be foreign nationals and work is taking place to confirm their identities. "Those who have passed away will be treated with the utmost care and dignity," he added.

The twin-engined turboprop plane - which can carry around 12 people - was heading for Lelystad in the Netherlands, with an estimated departure time of 3.45pm. Dramatic footage shows golfers at nearby Rochford Hundred Golf Club running towards the burning wreckage minutes later.

Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, confirmed its SUZ1 flight had been "involved in an accident". In a statement said the company was "actively supporting the authorities with the investigation", adding: "Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected."

A statement from the airport added: "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) via London Southend Airport contact their airline for information and advice."

It comes after reports of the pilots having "waved to kids" at the airport moments before the horror crash. Online flight trackers showed the plane taxiing as it prepared to lift off before veering off the runway. Witnesses described seeing a "huge fireball" at around 4pm. One eye witness wrote on X: "Just witnessed a Beechcraft crash on take-off at Southend airport about 40 minutes after a Cessna also left the runway. Thoughts are with those on the aircraft.

"Absolutely tragic. Was waving to the aircrew just moments before." John Johnson, who witnessed the crash with his family, said: "We all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us. The aircraft then turned 180 degrees to face its take-off, departure, powered up, rolled down the runway.

"It took off and about three or four seconds after taking off, it started to bank heavily to its left, and then within a few seconds of that happening, it more or less inverted and crashed just head first into the ground. There was a big fireball. Obviously, everybody was in shock in terms of witnessing it. All the kids saw it and the families saw it. I phoned 999, reported it."

He added: "I'd say that we're pretty shaken up. I just feel sad for the people who were on the plane and, of course, their loved ones and their family, our thoughts are with them."