A small medical transport jet crashed shortly after takeoff in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening, resulting in a massive explosion that set multiple homes ablaze. The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, had departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that two crew members were on board, while other sources, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, indicated there were six occupants.
The crash occurred near the intersection of Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue around 6:30 p.m. Surveillance footage captured the aircraft descending rapidly before a fiery explosion ensued, sending plumes of smoke into the sky. The impact ignited several homes and vehicles in the vicinity, leading to significant property damage.
Emergency responders, including the Philadelphia Fire Department and Police Department, swiftly arrived at the scene to manage the fires and assist victims. Multiple individuals on the ground sustained injuries and were transported to local hospitals; however, the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed. Authorities have not yet released information regarding fatalities among the plane’s occupants.
Governor Josh Shapiro stated that he is in communication with Philadelphia officials and has offered state resources to aid in the response efforts. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), in collaboration with the FAA, has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
This tragic incident follows a recent aviation disaster in Washington, D.C., where an American Airlines jet collided with an Army helicopter, resulting in significant loss of life.