A Learjet 55 crashed into a residential area of Northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening, sparking a massive explosion. The blast briefly illuminated the sky, terrifying residents who rushed to safety.
Jet Goes Down Near Residential Area
The aircraft crashed near a neighborhood street, causing injuries to people on the ground. Witnesses described an intense orange flash near Roosevelt Mall, a popular shopping center surrounded by homes. Doorbell cameras in nearby houses captured the bright yellow explosion moments after impact.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the jet crashed around 6:30 p.m. The aircraft, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, had departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was heading to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. Initially, the FAA reported only two people on board, but Jet Rescue later clarified that six people were aboard, including a pediatric patient, the child’s escort, and four crew members.
Emergency Response and Official Statements
The crash ignited fires in multiple homes and vehicles. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker urged residents to avoid the area and stay clear of debris. She emphasized that officials were still assessing casualties.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced that state resources were mobilized to assist in the response. He spoke with Mayor Parker and assured ongoing support. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy also briefed President Donald Trump about the incident. Trump expressed sorrow over the tragedy, commending first responders for their immediate efforts.
Eyewitness Accounts and Aircraft Background
Latrice and Channing Jackson, residents of Northeast Philadelphia, were driving on Roosevelt Boulevard when the crash occurred. “I’ve never seen so many police cars,” Latrice said. Her daughter Channing added that the disaster felt too close to home, especially after a recent midair collision in Washington, D.C.
Another witness, Timothy Stauffer, was at home when he heard the explosion. “It sounded like a bomb,” he recalled. When he rushed outside, he saw fire and thick smoke rising over the busy boulevard. Emergency crews arrived quickly, securing the scene and assisting victims.
Flight data revealed the Learjet was 43 years old and registered to Jet Rescue Air Ambulance. The plane had recently flown through Mexico, Haiti, Florida, and Arizona. The company had previously highlighted the jet in a promotional video, boasting of its “impeccable safety record.”
Investigators from the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are now examining the cause of the crash. Their focus includes the aircraft’s maintenance history and operational details from its recent flights.
