WATCH: Essex golfers brave flames after Southend Airport crash as smoke pours into sky
X/FL360AERO
New footage has emerged of multiple golfers rushing towards the downed jet to see if they could help
Don't Miss
Most Read
Trending on GB News
Hero Essex golfers were seen racing towards the crash site at Southend Airport this afternoon after a small plane smashed into the ground.
A small passenger jet heading to the Netherlands appeared to have careered off course shortly after take-off this afternoon, sending black smoke billowing into the air as horrified witnesses looked on.
But amid the chaos, new footage has emerged of multiple golfers sprinting towards the downed aircraft to see if they could help.
In the clip, one man can be heard saying: "F***ing hell, look," before adding: "Look at this."
He then asks someone closer to the aircraft what has happened.
As he dashes closer to the site, while smoke pours into the sky, numerous golf carts can also be seen racing towards the plane.
WATCH: Southend Airport crash: Aviation expert offers crucial insight into 'unusual' air accident
Golfers and golf carts raced towards the crash site in a hero bid to help out
X
An unknown voice in the background of the clip then appears to say there is someone on the ground.
Neither a casualty count nor an explanation towards the crash has yet been confirmed by any authority.
The green, at Rochford Hundred Golf Club, had been evacuated by police in the minutes following the incident.
James Philpott, a bartender at Rochford Hundred, told the BBC: "I was just basically in a hut like in the middle of the course and I didn't even see any plane go down or anything.
HAVE-A-GO HEROISM - READ MORE:
"I just felt like a big heat wave come through and I looked up and there was just a massive fireball 100 feet in the sky.
"It was more the heat really just kind of hit me as I was sitting there... I felt like I was baking."
"I think everyone was just quite shocked to be honest. People were running towards it to see if anyone was injured or anything."
Philpott added that he and others were collected from the course then taken back to the clubhouse, where they remained at a "safe distance" with the club closed.
Following the crash, all remaining flights from Southend Airport leaving today were cancelled or diverted.
EasyJet called off its flights to Paris, Alicante, Faro and Palma de Mallorca.
Customers were told to rebook their flights or get a refund.
Heidi Alexander, the Transport Secretary, said on Sunday: "I'm aware of the tragic incident at Southend Airport this afternoon.
"My thoughts are with all those involved. The emergency services are on scene and are advising the public to avoid the area where possible.
"I am monitoring the situation closely and receiving regular updates."