A horrific plane crash occurred this evening near Franklin Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, as Secretary Sean Duffy of the Department of Transportation detailed the devastating event: “A Learjet 55 with two people on board crashed after departing Northeast Philadelphia Airport in Pennsylvania at 18:30, according to the US FAA.”
He confirmed the jet hit a gas pipeline following an oversight of a runway, leading to an explosion and fires ravaging three buildings, the gas line, and potentially damaging surrounding vehicles. The tragic incident unfolded close to Roosevelt Mall, consequently prompting authorities to vacate a nearby car park.
Expressing his commitment to offer support, Govenor Josh Shapiro announced his intention to muster “Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly.”
Further details emerged as flight data revealed the ill-fated jet took off at approximately 6:06 pm, before vanishing from radar screens just half a minute later, having reached an altitude of 1,600 feet (487 meters), reports The Mirror US.
The FAA said in a statement that the flight was en-route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating.
The crash site, situated by a bustling intersection adjacent to Roosevelt Mall’s outdoor shopping centre, drew first responders to manage traffic while onlookers gathered, harrowed by the unfolding chaos in Rhawnhurst, a residential neighbourhood. To ensure public safety, Philadelphia’s emergency management office has closed roads surrounding the accident site.
Various reports from eyewitnesses mention a substantial debris field, numerous vehicles engulfed in flames, and a strong scent of fuel polluting the air, as one witness described via LIVENOW.
Specifically, the debris includes medical equipment. “There’s pieces everywhere,” a police commander said as officers cleared the scene near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard.
The wreckage, including a medical oxygen tank, was found at least a quarter mile from the crash site.
The plane involved in the crash has been identified as a Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance. The incident occurred near Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
Videos captured the terrifying moment the aircraft plummeted into a residential area, resulting in a massive explosion.
Images and footage from the scene depict a significant rescue operation, with numerous fire engines rushing towards the location. Additional photos reveal the explosion as the plane descended.
Ryan Tian, 23, told The Philadelphia Inquirer, external said he was getting dinner when he saw a “massive fireball” that turned the sky orange. “I thought we were getting attacked by something,” he said. As he saw people start to flee, he decided to get “outta there”.
Several other bystanders also reported debris and shrapnel colliding with their cars after the incident.
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