Emergency services are conducting a major operation at a popular Essex beauty spot after a small aircraft crashed into a reservoir.
Emergency Response at the Reservoir
Essex Police confirmed they were alerted shortly after 2pm on Sunday, December 28 to reports that a light plane had entered the water at Hanningfield Reservoir near Chelmsford. The force described it as a "serious incident" and has remained on site throughout Monday.
The reservoir, a well-known local beauty spot, has been closed to the public while the investigation and recovery work continues. A significant multi-agency response was launched on Sunday afternoon, with fire crews, air ambulances, and HM Coastguard all rushing to the scene.
Ongoing Investigation
Chief Superintendent Waheed Khan stated that authorities are still in the early stages of understanding what occurred. Essex Police are working closely with the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) to piece together the events that led to the aircraft plunging into the water.
An Essex Police spokeswoman issued a public appeal, saying: "We would please ask the public to avoid this area where possible while this work continues. An investigation has been launched."
Appeal for Information and Footage
Investigators are keen to gather any evidence that could shed light on the crash. Authorities are appealing to anyone with information, or who may have captured relevant CCTV, dash cam, or other footage of the incident to come forward.
The public can contact Essex Police by:
- Submitting a report on the force's website.
- Using the online Live Chat service available 24/7.
- Calling 101 (quoting incident reference 552 of 28 December).
In an emergency, always call 999. Anonymous reports can be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers via their website, by calling 0800 555 111, or via Twitter @CrimestoppersUK.
