A medical transport jet carrying six people crashed into a residential area in Philadelphia on Friday evening, setting homes ablaze and leaving authorities scrambling to assess the full extent of the disaster.
Philadelphia plane crash: Here’s what happened
According to reports, the Learjet 55, registered to Med Jets, went down just 30 seconds after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, killing everyone on board and causing significant damage.
Emergency responders rushed to Rhawnhurst, a densely populated neighbourhood near Roosevelt Mall, where the aircraft erupted into flames upon impact.
The crash site was quickly secured, with roads closed off and residents urged to stay indoors.
Mayor Cherelle Parker addressed the media late Friday night, confirming that investigations were underway but withholding specific casualty figures beyond those aboard the aircraft.
A doorbell camera from a nearby residence captured the moment the jet plummeted from the sky, followed by a massive explosion. Witnesses described the terrifying scene.
“All we heard was a loud roar, and then we saw the big plume of smoke,” said Jim Quinn, a local homeowner.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have confirmed they are investigating the Philadelphia crash.
Officials will examine flight data to determine whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or external factors contributed to the tragedy.
The Learjet 55 had just departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at 18:06 EST (01:06 SAST), bound for Springfield, Missouri.
Radar data shows the plane climbing to 487 metres (1,600 feet) before it suddenly vanished from tracking systems. The crash happened only 4.8 km from the airport.
This latest incident comes just two days after a catastrophic midair collision in Washington, DC, in which an American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter, killing all 67 people involved.
Though authorities have not officially linked the two events, the NTSB is reviewing all available data, including voice recorders and flight logs, to rule out potential connections.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro assured residents that all available state resources would assist in the investigation and recovery efforts.
The FAA will release preliminary findings in the coming days, while Philadelphia emergency services work to secure the crash site and assess damage to surrounding homes.