Small Plane Crashes in Philadelphia, Igniting Homes; Casualties Feared
A Learjet 55 crashed shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, setting multiple homes on fire and resulting in casualties
01-02-2025A small aircraft crashed in Philadelphia on Friday evening, erupting into flames and igniting multiple homes, authorities reported. Casualties and injuries have been confirmed, though details remain unclear.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Learjet 55 crashed shortly after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The plane, en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, had two confirmed passengers on board. However, Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy later stated that six people were reportedly aboard the aircraft. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct a joint investigation into the incident.
Philadelphia's emergency management office labeled the crash a "major incident," confirming road closures in the affected area. The Philadelphia Inquirer reported that at least one house and several vehicles caught fire. Weather conditions at the time included rain and reduced visibility.
Flight data indicates the aircraft took off at 6:06 PM (local time), reaching an altitude of 1,600 feet before disappearing from radar within 30 seconds. The plane was registered to a company operating as Med Jets, according to Flight Aware tracking data.
The crash occurred less than 5 km from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, which primarily handles business jets and charter flights. President Donald Trump reacted to the incident on Truth Social, expressing sorrow and commending first responders for their swift action.
This tragedy follows a deadly mid-air collision earlier in the week near Washington airport, where a passenger plane and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter crashed, resulting in 67 fatalities.
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