A Learjet 55 executive aircraft crashed into a densely populated district of Northeast Philadelphia late Monday night, igniting fires on the ground that left burned-out buildings and vehicles in its wake, officials said.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed to AFP that there were six people aboard the aircraft, though there has been no confirmation of any survivors.
Initially, the FAA stated that only two people were aboard, but US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy later reported that six individuals were on the flight.
The aircraft, bound for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, had departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport before it plummeted into the busy neighborhood around 2330 GMT.
The crash site, near homes, shops, and bustling roadways, was quickly engulfed in flames, prompting a massive emergency response.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro took to X (formerly Twitter) to express support for the ongoing emergency efforts. “We are offering all resources as emergency services respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly,” Shapiro wrote, pledging to provide updates as more details emerge.
The incident comes just two days after a catastrophic collision between a passenger jet and a military helicopter near Washington’s Reagan National Airport, which claimed 67 lives—the deadliest US aviation disaster in nearly 25 years.
According to flight tracking website FlightAware, the crashed Learjet was primarily used for medical transport.
The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management labeled the crash a “major incident,” announcing road closures and urging the public to avoid the affected area.
Dozens of first responders rushed to the scene near Roosevelt Mall, a commercial hub with retailers and food outlets.
Police and fire department officials have yet to release further details, but emergency crews were seen battling flames and searching the wreckage late into the night.
“Major incident near Cottman and Bustleton Avenues in Northeast Philadelphia across from Roosevelt Mall. Roads closed in area including parts of Roosevelt Boulevard. Avoid area,” the city’s emergency management office posted on X.
Authorities from the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation to determine the cause of the crash. The extent of casualties remains unclear as recovery efforts continue.