A small private airplane crashed in northeast Philadelphia on Friday, sparking a fireball that ignited fires in the surrounding area, according to officials.
The crash occurred in a densely populated neighborhood, filled with homes, shops, and busy roads.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed to AFP that six people were on board the Learjet, but it has not yet been confirmed if there were any survivors.
The aircraft went down around 11:30 PM GMT, shortly after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. It was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. The FAA stated that both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA would investigate the crash.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also confirmed that six people were aboard, but there was no immediate confirmation of casualties.
“We are offering all resources as emergency services respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly,” Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro wrote on X (formerly Twitter). “We’ll continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.”
This crash occurred just two days after a tragic mid-air collision near Washington’s Reagan National Airport between a passenger jet and a military helicopter, which resulted in 67 fatalities—the deadliest U.S. air disaster in nearly a quarter-century.
The Learjet involved in Friday’s crash is reportedly used for transporting medical patients, according to the flight tracking site FlightAware.
Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management confirmed the “major incident” and announced that roads in the area, including parts of Roosevelt Boulevard, were closed. They urged the public to avoid the area.
Dozens of first responders were on the scene near Roosevelt Mall, a strip mall with retail stores and food outlets. Police and fire departments have not responded to requests for comment.
“Major incident near Cottman and Bustleton Avenues in Northeast Philadelphia across from Roosevelt Mall. Roads closed in the area, including parts of Roosevelt Boulevard. Avoid the area,” Philadelphia’s emergency management office posted on X.
The investigation into the crash is ongoing.
AFP
