Philadelphia sports stars and teams offered up thoughts and prayers after the city was rocked by a tragic plane crash on Friday night.
An aircraft carrying six people crashed in a residential area of Philadelphia – just days after the fatal collision in Washington DC.
The plane departed the Northeast Philadelphia Airport on Friday evening and was travelling to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri before it lost control shortly after takeoff.
Doorbell footage captured the jet hurtling towards the ground before it exploded in a large fireball. Authorities have not yet confirmed any fatalities but those on board are not expected to have survived.
Following the incident, Eagles star Lane Johnson wrote on X: ‘Praying for the families and first responders of the Philly plane crash.’
The NFL team later released their own statement on the tragedy. ‘The Eagles organization was heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of life earlier this evening as a result of the plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia.
The plane, a Learjet 55, had been travelling to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri
‘Praying for the families and first responders of the Philly plane crash,’ Lane Johnson said
‘We extend our condolences to the victims and the loved ones they leave behind. We are grateful to the first responders for their heroic actions at the teams.’
Their words were echoed by the Philadelphia 76ers. The NBA team released a statement which read: ‘Prior to tonight’s game, we learned of a plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia.
‘While we await more information, we send our thoughts and prayers to all those impacted. We also extend our gratitude to the first responders on-site for their efforts this evening.
The 76ers – who faced the Denver Nuggets on Friday night – also displayed a message on the big screen at Wells Fargo Center.
‘In memory of those lost to the tragedy in Washington, DC. and Philadelphia,’ it read.
The Philadelphia Phillies, meanwhile, said they were ‘deeply saddened’ to learn about the ‘tragic plane crash’.
‘We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of all who were impacted and express our sincere gratitude to the emergency responders for their quick action at the scene,’ read a statement from the MLB team.
The jet was operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, and according to a statement, was transporting a young girl who had been receiving treatment.
Earlier this week, a jet carrying 64 people crashed into a military helicopter in Washington DC
Emergency response units search the wreckage in the Potomac River following the crash
Four crew members had been onboard the flight, alongside the young girl, who remains unknown, and her mother.
Earlier this week, an American Airlines passenger jet carrying 64 people crashed into a military helicopter while attempting to land at Reagan National Airport on Wednesday night.
Both aircraft plunged into the icy Potomac River, killing all 67 aboard in the deadliest US air crash in more than two decades.
By Friday afternoon, crews had recovered 41 bodies and 28 had been positively identified, D.C. Fire Chief John Donnelly Sr. said at a news conference. He said 18 families have been told loved ones died.
