Small Plane Crashes in Philadelphia, Fires Erupt, Fatalities Feared

A small medical evacuation plane carrying six people, including a child, crashed in Philadelphia, USA, erupting into flames and igniting multiple homes. Authorities reported casualties and injuries.

In a statement, air ambulance company Jet Rescue Air Ambulance said the aircraft crashed with four crew members, one paediatric medical patient and the patient’s escort on board, news agency Reuters reported.

According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash occurred on Friday evening near Roosevelt Mall.

Learjet 55 Crashes After Takeoff from Philadelphia, Six People on Board

The crash occurred just days after a tragic mid-air collision between a passenger plane and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter near Washington airport, resulting in 67 fatalities.

According to the FAA, the Learjet 55 went down shortly after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport while en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed that six people were reportedly on board and stated that the FAA and NTSB would conduct a joint investigation into the incident.

Reacting to the crash on Truth Social, President Donald Trump expressed sorrow over the loss of lives, commended first responders for their swift action, and assured continued updates.

Friday’s crash site is less than 5 km from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, which mainly handles business jets and charter flights. Philadelphia’s emergency management office described the crash as a “major incident” and confirmed road closures in the area.

Crash Site Engulfed in Flames, Low Visibility Due to Rain Reported

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker told reporters that she did not have information on the numbers of victims. The situation is “all hands on deck, that’s where we are right now”, she was quoted as saying.

A report in the Philadelphia Inquirer newspaper said at least one house and multiple cars were on fire, while visibility was low due to rain at the time of the crash.

Flight data showed the aircraft taking off from the airport at 6.06 pm (local time) and disappearing from radar about 30 seconds later after climbing to an altitude of 1,600 feet.

According to the Flight Aware tracking website, the plane was registered with a company operating as Med Jets.