Key points
- The aircraft was a Learjet 55 executive aircraft
- It crashed around 2330 GMT in a densely populated city district
- It was bound for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri
- Six people “reportedly” aboard plane: US transportation secretary
PHILADELPHIA, United States: A small private airplane crashed in northeast Philadelphia Friday, a top official said, with media showing images of a fireball that sparked blazes on the ground in the built-up neighborhood.The aircraft, which the Federal Aviation Administration said was a Learjet 55 executive aircraft with two people aboard, crashed around 2330 GMT into a densely-populated district of the city with homes, shops and busy roads.
Trump expresses sorrow
President Donald Trump also expressed his sadness over the plan crash in a social media post.
Take off from Philadelphia
It was bound for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, and had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, the FAA said in a statement confirming that it would investigate along with the National Transportation Safety Board.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy meanwhile said there were “reportedly” six people aboard the plane.
Official casualties
There was no immediate confirmation of casualties.
“We are offering all resources as (emergency services) respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly,” Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro wrote on X.
“We’ll continue to provide updates as more information is available.”
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…
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) February 1, 2025
The crash in the east coast US city came just two days after a passenger jet and military helicopter collided off Washington’s Reagan National Airport, killing 67 people in the deadliest US air disaster in almost a quarter century.
The Learjet that crashed was an aircraft used to transport medical patients, according to flight tracking site FlightAware.
Roads closed
Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management wrote on X that there was a “major incident” underway and that roads in the vicinity were closed, calling on the public to avoid the area.
Dozens of first responders were on the scene outside Roosevelt Mall, a strip mall with retailers and food outlets.
—Photo from Social Media/X
The police and fire department did not respond to calls for comment.
Major road closures due to the aircraft response and investigation: Cottman Ave closed between Bustleton and Brous Aves. Roosevelt Boulevard outer lanes from Rhawn St to Tyson Ave. Saint Vincent St closed between Bustleton Ave and Castor Ave (1/2) pic.twitter.com/ZdVxOVixdo
— Philadelphia OEM (@PhilaOEM) February 1, 2025
“Major incident near Cottman and Bustelton 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 wrote on X.
