India, July 14 -- A small plane crashed on takeoff at Southend Airport in London, with witnesses saying they saw a 'large fireball' following the mishap.

Several images of the mishap were posted online, where a thick cloud of black smoke could be seen at the spot of the accident.

In a statement posted on Facebook, the airport described the event as 'serious'.

"We can confirm there has been a serious incident at London Southend Airport this afternoon involving a general aviation aircraft," the airport said in a statement.

The plane involved was a medical transport jet operated by Zeusch Aviation, and was equipped with medical systems for transporting patients, Daily Star reported.

No details about the condition of the pilots have been...