Plane crash in Philadelphia: aircraft crashes in residential area | What we know
A second air accident is reported this week. A small plane crashed after taking off in Philadelphia
A small plane crashed after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport on Friday afternoon, marking the second air accident this week. The crash occurred over a residential area between Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard shortly after 6 p.m.
‘A Learjet 55 crashed around 6:30 p.m. local time on Friday, Jan. 31, after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. Six people were on board. The plane was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates’ the FAA said in a statement.
According to authorities, the plane was on a medical mission. Regarding the six people on board mentioned by the FAA, it is unclear at this time whether they managed to eject or escape. Several people on the ground were injured, police added. Reports indicate that the plane may have collided with multiple buildings and cars in the area. Some media outlets report it is unlikely any of those on board survived.
Firefighters report houses and businesses on fire
According to CBS News, the Philadelphia Fire Department (PFD) reported that several houses are on fire in the area of Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard following the crash, as well as some businesses near the Roosevelt Mall and multiple vehicles. Local residents told CBS Philadelphia that they felt their homes shake when the plane went down.
The city’s Fire Department has urged residents to avoid the area of Calvert St. and Saint Vincent St.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated on X that he spoke with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and that the governor’s office is in communication with the city’s Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, and Fire Department. “We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly”, the official said.
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