Jerry Jackson A Learjet 55 crashed into a residential area of Northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening, triggering a powerful explosion. The sudden blast lit up the night sky, shocking residents who rushed for cover.
Plane Crashes Near Homes, Causes Fire
The aircraft went down close to a neighborhood street, injuring people on the ground. Residents near Roosevelt Mall, a popular shopping area, saw an intense orange flash and heard a loud boom. Nearby security cameras captured the moment of impact, showing a bright fireball rising above the homes.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that the crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. Initially, officials stated that two people were aboard, but Jet Rescue Air Ambulance later confirmed six passengers: a pediatric patient, the child’s escort, and four crew members. The jet had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, heading for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.
Authorities Respond, Officials React
The crash set fire to multiple homes and vehicles in the neighborhood. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker urged residents to stay away from the wreckage while emergency teams worked at the scene. She stated that the number of casualties remained uncertain.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro assured the public that state resources were being deployed. He spoke with Mayor Parker and emphasized full cooperation in managing the disaster. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy briefed President Donald Trump, who expressed condolences and praised first responders for their swift actions.
Shocked Witnesses Describe the Scene
Latrice and Channing Jackson were driving on Roosevelt Boulevard when they saw flashing lights and police cars speeding toward the site. “I’ve never seen this many emergency vehicles in my life,” Latrice recalled. Her daughter, Channing, said the crash was unsettling, especially after a recent midair collision in Washington, D.C.
Timothy Stauffer, another witness, was at home when he heard the explosion. “It sounded like something massive hit the ground,” he said. He rushed outside to find thick smoke and flames rising over the busy roadway. Within moments, emergency crews arrived, blocking off the area and assisting victims.
Flight records show the Learjet, a 43-year-old aircraft, belonged to Jet Rescue Air Ambulance. It had recently traveled through Mexico, Haiti, Florida, and Arizona. The company had previously highlighted the jet’s reliability in promotional materials, calling its safety record “impeccable.”
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation. Officials will examine the aircraft’s flight history, maintenance records, and possible mechanical issues leading up to the crash.