LONDON, UK — A terrifying aviation incident unfolded this morning at a regional airport in the UK, as a passenger aircraft burst into a massive fireball just seconds after takeoff, sending thick black smoke towering hundreds of meters into the sky and plunging the nearby area into chaos.
The incident occurred at approximately 9:42 AM local time, when the flight — believed to be a commercial domestic carrier en route to Scotland — lifted off from Runway 2 at Exeter Airport. Within seconds, the rear of the aircraft appeared to ignite mid-air, according to horrified eyewitnesses, resulting in an explosion so violent it shook nearby buildings.
“It looked like something out of a movie,” said James Carter, who filmed the blast from a nearby car park.
“The whole plane turned into a fireball — then smoke just swallowed the sky.”
🔥 Black Smoke Visible for Miles
The smoke plume could be seen from over 15 kilometers away, with multiple drivers pulling over on the A30 motorway to film the apocalyptic scene. Emergency responders were on site within 3 minutes, with over 12 fire engines, paramedics, and police units rushing to contain the blaze.
“The airport is in complete lockdown,” reported a BBC correspondent at the scene.
“All outbound and inbound flights have been suspended. The fire is still being fought.”
🛫 What Caused the Explosion?
Initial reports suggest the explosion may have originated from the left engine, but aviation experts caution that fuel line issues or structural failure cannot be ruled out.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has launched a full investigation, and representatives from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) are en route.
“We are currently working to confirm the condition of the passengers and crew,” an airport spokesperson said.
“Our thoughts are with all those affected. We ask the public to avoid speculation until the facts are confirmed.”
👥 Casualties and Survivors
At this time, no official casualty numbers have been released, but sources suggest that the aircraft was carrying 42 people, including 4 crew members.
Emergency crews are reportedly focusing on the tail section, which detached and crashed into a field behind the runway. Eyewitnesses claim they saw parachutes or figures ejecting, but this has not yet been verified.
📸 WATCH: Full Video of the Explosion
Footage captured by James Carter and later verified by local news outlets shows the moment the aircraft ignited mid-air.
⚠️ Warning: The video contains graphic imagery. Viewer discretion is advised.
[Click here to watch the full video] (video placeholder)
🕊️ National Response
Prime Minister Rishi Sunak has been briefed on the situation, and the Ministry of Defence has reportedly deployed air support to secure the airspace. Local schools near the airport have been placed on temporary lockdown, and air traffic has been rerouted.
“This is a developing emergency. We are monitoring it very closely,” a government spokesperson stated.
📰 More Updates to Follow
This story is developing. Stay tuned for live updates, survivor testimonies, and the official investigation report as it unfolds.