German-Chilean nurse Maria Ortiz, 31, dies in a crash on her first shift aboard a medevac aircraft

A German-Chilean nurse on her first day in a new role was among the four people killed when a medical aircraft exploded shortly after take-off from London Southend Airport on Sunday.

Maria Fernanda Rojaz Ortiz, 31, had just begun working as a flight nurse for Dutch-based Zeusch Aviation, a firm that specialises in medical evacuations. The Beech B200 Super King Air was returning to the Netherlands after dropping off a patient when it came down in a devastating crash just moments after departing at around 3.48pm.

A Dutch pilot, co-pilot, and another crew member were also killed in the explosion, which produced a massive fireball and sent smoke spiralling into the sky. Essex Police confirmed that all four victims were foreign nationals and that there were no survivors.

Maria, a German citizen born in Chile, had previously worked in the public health sector. Her friend Anna Smith told the BBC:

“She was so excited for this new job. She had a giving heart and was humble, and chose a profession that reflected that.”

Another friend revealed that Maria’s wife is “too distraught to speak” and said the nurse had not told many people about her new private medical role before boarding the fatal flight.

A GoFundMe campaign has since been launched to raise €7,500 to help Maria’s family with funeral and repatriation costs.

“The pain is immense,” reads the fundraiser. “Feña was deeply loved. In her honour, we want to give her a proper send-off.”

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has dispatched a full investigative team, including experts in aircraft operations, engineering, and human factors, to the crash site. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Zeusch Aviation confirmed the fatalities in a public statement:

“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.”

Chief Superintendent Morgan Cronin of Essex Police told reporters outside the airport:

“Shortly after take-off, the plane got into difficulty and crashed within the airport boundary. Sadly, we can now confirm that all four people on board died.”

The airport has been closed until further notice, and all flight operations have been suspended.

Witnesses reported a huge fireball followed by thick smoke. Flight tracking data shows the plane struggled to gain altitude before veering sharply and disappearing from radar.

The Beechcraft King Air B200, valued at up to £1.5 million, is a twin-engine aircraft typically used for medical transfers. It can carry up to eight people and cruises at around 285 mph.

Maria’s family released a tribute via Chilean media outlet T13, stating:

“Her charisma, love, humour, and kindness, which characterised her as a person, will remain alive in our memories and in our hearts forever.”

The crash has reignited concerns about air ambulance safety, and tributes continue to pour in from across Europe and Latin America for the victims of the tragedy.