PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — A small plane crashed in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday, officials said, with a fiery explosion observed upon impact.
It happened near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard just after 6 p.m. Friday.
According to the FAA, a Learjet 55 departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri when it went down.
Moment of impact: Plane crash caught on multiple videos in Northeast Philadelphia
Sources tell Action News there were possibly up to 6 people on the small plane at the time of the crash
Police say the plane was on a medical assignment. The FAA and Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy said six people were on board.
In addition to several flight crew members, sources say there was a pilot, medic, flight crew and possibly a patient on the plane.
Multiple casualties have been reported, but Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said there was no immediate word on a number.
“We’re just asking for prayers for any and everyone who may have been affected,” said Parker, who urged everyone to stay out of the area.
Video shows vehicles and other debris on fire after plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia
Video shows burning cars, debris after plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia
A large fire burned in the wake of the crash, prompting a significant response. Vehicles, homes and even people in the area could be seen on fire.
“It was just horrific. I was just driving down the street, coming to Wendy’s and I just saw a plane basically hit the building and it exploded. The sky light up and I pulled over and basically it was just real bad around here,” said one witness, who described the incident as “earthquakish.”
“It looked like there might have been a little bit of traffic so when the plane crashed, literally all the cars were engulfed in flames.”
“We heard an explosion and then saw the aftermath of flames and smoke. Common sense told me that I not get close to it and very quickly, just a cavalry of police and first responders. God bless them for going into harms way,” said witness Jimmy Wiess, who was in the area looking for a spot to have dinner.
“You don’t want to think the worst things, but obviously it is very concerning to have two aviation disasters so close together when we haven’t had one in quite some time. So it’s very concerning, for sure.”
Witness described moment of plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia
Fireball caught on video
Several doorbell captures captured the horrific moment of impact as plumes of smoke billowed into the air.
“It was a big ball of fire that went up into the sky and the whole gas station just started shaking. Little debris and stuff was flying so I tried to keep the door shut and not let customers out until the debris was gone so nobody got hurt or anything,” said Mikey, who works at a gas station near the crash site.
“Once I saw the big ball of fire, I came outside and started seeing a bunch of plane pieces. It looked, honestly, like a human foot or something and a shoe still on the side of the street.”
Several others in the immediate area were taken to the hospital with various burn injuries. There was no word on their conditions.
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Mayor Parker urged residents not to touch any to debris and to call 911.
The Philadelphia Fire Department advised residents to avoid the area of Calvert and St. Vincent streets.
First responders work the scene after a small plane crashed in Philadelphia, Friday, Jan. 31, 2025.
(AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
The FAA issued a ground stop at Northeast Philadelphia Airport due to “an aircraft incident.”
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said his team is communicating with local officials and first responders and is “offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly.”
The FAA and NTSB say it is investigating.
Small plane crashes in Northeast Philly; multiple casualties reported
Stay with Action News as we continue to follow this developing story.
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