A plane carrying six people has crashed in a residential area of Philadelphia causing chaotic scenes on the ground.
The Learjet 55 aircraft departed the Northeast Philadelphia Airport on Friday evening and been travelling to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri before it lost control shortly after takeoff.
Doorbell footage caught the jet hurtling to the ground before exploding in a large fireball after less than a minute in the air.
The Federal Aviation Administration has confirmed that there were six people onboard the jet. It is unclear if they managed to eject or were able to escape.
In their initial statement, FAA had originally reported that there was only two people on board.
The jet was being operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, and according to a statement from them was transporting a ‘pediatric patient’.
Four crew members had been onboard the flight, alongside the patient and an escort.
They said: ‘At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors. No names are being released at this time until family members have been notified.
‘Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our personnel, their families and other victims that may have been hurt on the ground.’
The plane, a Learjet 55, had been travelling to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri after departing the Northeast Philadelphia Airport on Friday evening
Emergency services are currently on the scene battling the flames from the collision
Police sources told CBS that there were several injuries being reported to them on the ground. It is not yet known whether there have been any fatalities.
Emergency services are on the scene battling the flames from the collision.
The aircraft appeared to hit several buildings and cars in the area leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Flightradar data says the plane had reached an altitude of 1,650 feet before reporting a vertical drop of -11,008 fpm.
Officials in the city said that police and fire crews are on the scene, with nearby roads being closed.
Cherelle Parker spoke with reporters but said she was unable to confirm the number of fatalities in the crashed.
Parker also said that houses and cars had been impacted by the crash and urged people to stay inside while crews worked the scene.
The Philadelphia Office of Emergency are advising locals to stay away from the area.
The jet was being operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, and according to a statement from them was transporting a ‘pediatric patient’
The Philadelphia Office of Emergency are advising locals to stay away from the area.
Governor Josh Shapiro posted on X saying: ‘I’ve spoken with @PhillyMayor and my team is in communication with @PhillyPD, @PhilaOEM, and @PhillyFireDept.
‘We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly.
‘We’ll continue to provide updates as more information is available.’
Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman also said: ‘I’ve been in contact with @Philly Mayor and awaiting further information on the tragic small plane crash in Northeast Philly.
‘For folks in the area, please follow guidance from local officials and police officers.’
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. The NTSB will lead the investigation.
The crash comes just days after an American Airlines passenger plane collided with an Army helicopter over Washington DC.
All 67 people in both the helicopter and the plane perished in the horrific midair collision.
