Who was on the Southend airport plane crash? What we know about the victims as four deaths confirmed
A nurse from Chile was called one of the four people who were killed when a plane crashed at Southend Airport in the afternoon.
The Medical Transportation Plane for the Netherlands fell at 15:48 on Sunday.
Nurse from Chile – Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz – According to a document listing passengers, she was with two Dutch pilots and another person.
It is also understood that the plane fell from a patient in Southend and returned to his base in the Netherlands.
Witnesses said that they saw a “fire ball, and the images of fire and black smoke were shared on social media.
Maria Fernanda Rojas Ortiz
31 -year -old child was a German citizen born in Chile and reportedly worked as a nurse in the public sector before becoming a flight nurse.
The nurse’s friends told the BBC that he was the “most gentle spirit” and “there is not a single bad bone in his body.”
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They also said, “He chose a profession that reflects it,” he said.
The Chilean media shared a tribute written by his family after his death.
“We report the tragic passage of our lover who passed away today in a plane crash in London on Sunday, July 13, 2025,” the Chilean News site T13.
He added the message translated from Spanish: “It was extremely difficult to accept the news of the transition; he was a person who pointed to the passage of those who knew him.”
“They will survive in our memories of charisma, love, humor and kindness that characterize him as a human being.”
A friend of mine told Mirror: “It was the first day at work. The hospital was a nurse, but then he took a job with a private medical company, he didn’t tell anyone, but that was his first day.”
The friend added that he just got married a year ago, and his wife can barely speak because it is very miserable.
A friend of mine wrote on a Gofundme page established to raise money for Maria’s family: “We know that the death of Dear Feña was shared by many people who love him and support him in different stages of his life.
“In the middle of this difficult time, we want to organize to support his family. This process requires many unexpected expenses – transfers, documents, possible travel and everything that needs to say goodbye.”
Two Dutch pilots and fourth people on board
Together with the fourth foreign national, two Dutch pilots were on board.
However, their names have not yet been officially published.
Morgan Cronin, the head of the investigation, confirmed that four people on the plane died.
“We are working to officially verify their identities. At this stage, we believe that four are foreign nationals.
“Our thoughts are with their families and colleagues in this tragic time. I can promise that those who have passed away will be treated with maximum care and dignity.”
Sir Keir Starmer paid tribute to those affected by a message on X.
The Prime Minister wrote: “A terrible news that four people lost their life tragically in a plane crash at Southend Airport. My thoughts with their families and loved ones.
“I also want to thank all the emergency intervention teams participating in the scene.”
