Philadelphia (Agencies): A Learjet 55 crashed in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening, causing a fiery explosion that ignited multiple homes and vehicles. The incident occurred around 6:30pm local time shortly after the aircraft departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
Witnesses and security cameras captured a bright flash in the sky before the crash, followed by explosions and thick plumes of smoke. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that at least two people were on board the jet, which was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene to battle the fires and aid victims. Several houses in the vicinity caught fire due to the impact, and multiple injuries were reported among residents on the ground. The exact number of casualties and the severity of injuries are yet to be determined.
The crash site is about three miles from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, a hub for single-engine aircraft, private jets, turboprops, and helicopters. The cause of the crash is under investigation as authorities work to determine what led to the disaster.
This incident comes just days after a deadly collision between a passenger jet and a Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, DC, which killed 67 people.