A small jet carrying six people crashed into a bustling Philadelphia suburb Friday night, officials said, igniting fires on the ground and leaving burnt-out buildings and vehicles in its path.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed to AFP that there were six persons on the Learjet, but there has been no confirmation of any survivors.
According to the FAA, the aircraft, a Learjet 55 executive plane with two persons on board, crashed around 2330 GMT into a densely populated section of the city with residences, shops, and busy highways.
It was heading for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri and had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, according to the FAA, which confirmed that it would investigate alongside the National Transportation Safety Board.
Meanwhile, US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the plane was “reportedly” carrying six individuals.
There was no immediate confirmation of casualties at the time of filing this report.
“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 catastrophe in the east coast US city occurred only two days after a passenger jet and military helicopter collided outside Washington’s Reagan National Airport, killing 67 people in the deadliest US air tragedy in over a quarter century.
According to flight tracking website FlightAware, the Learjet crashed while transporting medical passengers.
On X, Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management reported that a “major incident” was taking place and that nearby roads were closed, advising the public to avoid the area.
Dozens of first responders were on the scene outside Roosevelt Mall, a strip mall featuring shops and restaurants.
The police and fire departments did not return calls seeking comment.
“Major incident near Cottman and Bustleton Avenues in Northeast Philadelphia across from Roosevelt Mall. Roads are closed in the area, including parts of Roosevelt Boulevard. Avoid area,” the city’s emergency management office wrote on X.
