A small private plane crashed in northeast Philadelphia on Friday, according to a senior official, with media outlets displaying images of a fireball that ignited fires on the ground in the residential area.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed to AFP that six people were aboard the Learjet, but it has not yet been confirmed if there were any survivors.
The aircraft crashed at around 2330 GMT into a crowded area of the city, which includes homes, shops, and busy roads.
According to the FAA, the plane was headed for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri and had departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
The FAA confirmed it would be conducting an investigation in collaboration with the National Transportation Safety Board.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that there were “reportedly” six people on board the plane.
However, there was no immediate confirmation of any 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.
“We’ll continue to provide updates as more information is available.”
The crash in Philadelphia occurred just two days after a passenger jet and military helicopter collided near Washington’s Reagan National Airport, resulting in 67 deaths, marking the deadliest U.S. air disaster in nearly 25 years.
According to the flight tracking site FlightAware, the crashed Learjet was typically used to transport medical patients.
Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management reported a “major incident” on X, stating that nearby roads were closed and urging the public to avoid the area.
Dozens of first responders were on-site outside Roosevelt Mall, a shopping center with stores and food outlets.
The police and fire departments did not respond to requests for comment.
“Major incident near Cottman and Bustelton Avenues in Northeast Philadelphia across from Roosevelt Mall. Roads closed in area including parts of Roosevelt Boulevard. Avoid area,” the city’s emergency management office wrote on X.
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