Footage from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania shows the plane crashing to the ground in a violent explosion.
A Learjet 55 medical transport plane carrying six people crashed in northeast Philadelphia on the evening of January 31. Witnesses and security camera footage captured a flash of light in the sky before the crash, followed by an explosion and thick clouds of smoke.
The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the plane crashed at about 6:30 p.m. local time, shortly after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The plane was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.
According to FlightRadar24 data, the twin-engine jet, registered in Mexico, belonged to Jet Rescue Air Ambulance. Newly appointed US Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy confirmed that there were six people on board. Emergency personnel at the scene told NBC News that the victims were likely two doctors, two pilots, and one patient and their family members.
According to Fox News, all six people on the plane were killed, and many people on the ground were injured.
Several homes in the area were set ablaze by the impact of the plane crash. Videos shared on social media showed debris strewn across the street. Emergency crews rushed to extinguish the fire and assist the victims.
"Major incident near Cottman and Bustleton Avenues in Northeast Philadelphia across from Roosevelt Mall. Roads are closed in the area, including portions of Roosevelt Avenue. Stay away from the area," the official X account of the City of Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management wrote.
The crash site is about 5km from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The cause of the accident is under investigation.
The incident comes just days after a deadly collision between an American Airlines jet and a Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., that killed all 67 people on board both planes.
