Second victim of Southend Airport plane crash is named as ‘fantastic’ German paramedic father as probe into tragedy continues

The second victim of the Southend Airport plane crash tragedy has been revealed to be a ‘fantastic’ German paramedic and father.

Dr Matthias Eyl, 46, from Kleinmaischeid in west Germany, worked as a paramedic and was also employed as a doctor aboard international flights transporting patients, German media reports.

A total of four people, all foreign nationals, died after the plane, bound for the Netherlands, crashed and burst into flames just seconds after takeoff at 3.48pm on Sunday. 

It is understood that the plane had dropped off a patient at Southend and was due to return to its base in the Netherlands. 

Two Dutch pilots and a Chilean nurse were among those on board the Beechcraft B200 Super King Air, according to a document which lists passengers. 

An investigation into the cause of the crash is underway. 

Earlier it was revealed that nurse Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, a German citizen born in Chile, was also killed in the crash during her first day on the job.

One of the pilots killed was employed by Dutch airline KLM, the firm said. 

The German Red Cross said in a statement: ‘We are deeply shocked and infinitely saddened by the sudden death of our esteemed emergency paramedic Matthias Eyl, who died in a plane crash yesterday at the age of just 46 years old.

‘Matthias has been in service with us over many years: as a doctor, comrade and friend. With his warm, honest, and humorous nature, he has not only provided medical assistance, but shaped our community.

Dr Matthias Eyl, 46, from Kleinmaischeid in west Germany , worked as a paramedic and was also employed as a doctor aboard international flights transporting patients

Nurse Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz was also killed when the plane ploughed into the ground at Southend Airport

A total of four people, all foreign nationals, died after the plane, bound for the Netherlands, crashed and burst into flames just seconds after takeoff at 3.48pm on Sunday 

‘He was a man who listened, tackled and encouraged […] when it came down to it. His commitment was not taken for granted, his loss is immeasurable.

‘We lose not only a reliable doctor, but above all a special person. Our thoughts are with his family and all those close to him.

‘Take care, Matthias. We will never forget you!’

A spokesperson for KLM said: ‘KLM is deeply saddened by the accident on Sunday, 13 July, at London Southend Airport in the United Kingdom. 

‘Among the four deceased individuals is also a KLM colleague. Our thoughts are with the bereaved families, for whom we are, of course, ready to provide support. 

‘We wish the families and friends of the victims all the strength in dealing with this terrible news. We ask everyone to respect their privacy.’

Zeusch Aviation, based at Lelystad Airport in the Netherlands, said in a statement on Monday: ‘It is with deep sadness that we confirm there were no survivors among the people on board flight SUZ1.

‘Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the victims, their families, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.

‘Zeusch Aviation continues to fully cooperate with the relevant investigative authorities and is providing all possible support to those affected.’

The plane, which is often used for mapping and for medivac journeys, had completed two trips that day, one from Athens in Greece to Pula in Croatia and then from Pula to Southend, landing in the UK at 2.51pm. 

An hour later it took off again, with witnesses describing a ‘fireball’, while images of fire and black smoke were shared on social media.

The Chilean nurse was on her first day on the job, according to reports, which named her as Ms Ortiz, 31.

In one video circulating online, passengers were seen boarding with the crash billowing smoke on the other side of the runway

The plane, which is often used for mapping and for medivac journeys, had completed two trips that day, one from Athens in Greece to Pula in Croatia and then from Pula to Southend, landing in the UK at 2.51pm 

The pilot and co-pilot, both Dutch, also died when a small aircraft exploded into a fireball moments after take-off

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise 7,500 euros for her family.

The firm both medical staff worked for, Globalmed, said in a statement: ‘It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we share the tragic loss of two of our dear medical colleagues and friends. Their passing away has left a deep void in our teams and in our hearts.

‘They were not only valued medical professionals but also kind, inspiring individuals whose presence brought light and strength to those around them. Their dedication, warmth, and friendship will be deeply missed by all who knew them.

‘We honour their memory and hold them in our hearts. May they rest in peace.

‘We are in frequent contact with the relatives and offer our help where possible.

‘As a medical company without aircraft, we are not involved in investigations by the UK authorities concerning flight SUZ1. They will only inform the the airplane operator, and not us.’

In a statement at the airport on Monday, Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: ‘Yesterday afternoon, an aircraft which had landed here earlier in the day took off bound for the Netherlands.

‘Shortly after take off, it got into difficulty and crashed within the airport boundary.

‘Sadly, we can now confirm that all four people on board died.

‘We are working to officially confirm their identities. At this stage, we believe all four are foreign nationals.’

The airport will stay closed until further notice.

Its chief executive Jude Winstanley said: ‘Our staff are working closely with the emergency services and air accident investigators to support their work. I would like to thank them for all of their hard work during this period.’

Lisa Fitzsimons of the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) said ‘it is too early to speculate’ on what may have caused the crash.

The incident happened at London Southend Airport on Sunday, and authorities are investigating

It was a small Beech B200 aircraft that was reportedly involved in the crash (stock photo)

Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to the four people killed in the plane crash.

In a message on X the Prime Minister said: ‘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.’

John Johnson, who was at the airport with his children and wife on Sunday, said they saw a ‘big fireball’ after the plane crashed ‘head first into the ground’.

Mr Johnson, from Billericay, Essex, told PA that before the plane took off, ‘we all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us’.

He added: ‘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. 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.’