Emergency crews are responding to an explosion in Northeast Philadelphia after a small jet crashed in the area of Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue, Philadephia police confirmed to CBS News Philadelphia.
The plane, a Learjet 55, was going from Philadelphia to Springfield, Missouri, leaving the Northeast Philadelphia Airport when tragedy struck. The plane crashed into a neighborhood outside the Roosevelt Mall just moments after leaving the airstrip at around 6:07 p.m. The first call went out to officials at 6:12 p.m.
Two people were aboard the plane, according to police. It’s unclear at this time if they were ejected or able to escape. There are several injuries reported on the ground, police added.
The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. The NTSB will lead the investigation.
Multiple rowhomes on fire
Multiple homes are on fire in the area of Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard following the crash, fire officials said.
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Police sources told CBS News Philadelphia’s Chief Investigative Reporter Joe Holden that parts of the plane hit cars in the area. Some businesses near the Roosevelt Mall are on fire, sources said.
The area, where the crash happened, especially near Cottman and Roosevelt Boulevard is a densely residential neighborhood and packed with rows of rowhomes.
Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management shared a photo of the scene in Northeast Philadelphia. Officials said roads are closed in the area including parts of Roosevelt Boulevard. Residents and motorists are asked to avoid the area as several authorities respond.
Neighbors felt their homes shake
Neighbors in the Northeast Philadelphia area have called CBS Philadelphia reporting their homes shook when the plane went down.
It’s unclear at this time what led to the crash. The status of those who were injured was also not immediately available.
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FAA responds to crash
The Federal Aviation Administration said the crash happened around 6:30 p.m. EST on Friday after a Learjet 55 left the Northeast Philadelphia Airport. Two people were on board. The plane was on its way to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.
The NTSB is leading the investigation.
Here’s the full statement from the FAA:
A Learjet 55 crashed around 6:30 p.m. local time on Friday, Jan. 31, after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. There were two people on board. The plane was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates.
Gov. Josh Shapiro, local councilmember responds
Gov. Josh Shapiro said he’s spoken with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and that the governor’s office is in communication with the Philadelphia Police Department, Office of Emergency Management and Philadephia Fire Department.
“We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly,” Shapiro said on X.
Councilmember Mike Driscoll who represents the 6th District and is chair of the Transportation and Utilities Committee described the crash as an active emergency response situation with reported mass casualties.
“My heart is so heavy as we continue to learn more about this tragic plane crash in Northeast Philly. We are in direct communication with our emergency response teams to monitor the ongoing impacts to the immediate and surrounding area. This is an active emergency response situation, sadly, with reported mass casualties.
Right now, our focus is on the needs of our first responders on the ground, as well as the individuals and families impacted by this tragedy. We ask that people please avoid the area. We will continue to monitor as this unfolds. Our prayers are with everyone right now.”
This is a developing story. Refresh for updates.
