Heartbreaking details have been released after a nurse was killed when a plane crashed to the ground in a 'fireball' near a London airport.
Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz, 31, is believed to have been aboard a Beech B200 Super King Air private medical aircraft when it crashed shortly after takeoff at Southend Airport in Essex.
The jet erupted into flames on Sunday afternoon after reportedly nosediving off the runway.
Friends have since confirmed to The Mirror that Maria had only just started working for a private medical company, leaving her previous role as a hospital nurse.
One close friend shared: “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.”
The same friend added: “Her wife can barely speak, she can't even call the police, she's beside herself. She's absolutely distraught.”
A GoFundMe page has been launched to support Maria’s family, who are now navigating the painful aftermath of her sudden loss. In a message written in Spanish, friends wrote: “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."
It continues: "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.”
The message adds: “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,” it concludes.
Essex Police confirmed that all four people on board the aircraft were killed in the crash and are believed to be foreign nationals. Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin said: “Those who have passed away will be treated with the utmost care and dignity.” Authorities are still working to formally identify the victims.
The twin-engine aircraft, operated by Zeusch Aviation, was headed for Lelystad in the Netherlands when it went down.
In a statement, the Dutch-based company confirmed its SUZ1 flight had “been involved in an accident” and added: “Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected.”
Eyewitnesses, including families at nearby Rochford Hundred Golf Club, described seeing a “huge fireball.” One onlooker wrote on X: “Absolutely tragic. Was waving to the aircrew just moments before.”
Another, John Johnson, said: “We all waved at the pilots, and they all waved back at us... within a few seconds it more or less inverted and crashed just head first into the ground. There was a big fireball.”
He added: “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.”