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By Gabe Whisnant and Sonam Sheth
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A jet crashed near a busy intersection in a residential/retail section of northeast Philadelphia, rocking the city neighborhood on Friday night.
The small plane went down near Roosevelt Mall, an outdoor shopping center, where first responders were blocking traffic and onlookers gathered on a street corner in the neighborhood of Rhawnhurst.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said there were six people on board.
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Philadelphia's emergency management office confirmed that nearby roads are closed.
The Context
Friday's crash comes just two days after an American Airlines passenger jet collided midair with an Army Black Hawk helicopter. Officials have been investigating the cause of the crash—the deadliest aviation disaster in more than 15 years—since it occurred Wednesday night.
What To Know
FAA said in a statement that "a Learjet 55 crashed around 6:30 p.m. local time on Friday, Jan. 31, after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport."
The agency added that the plane was traveling to the Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. According to the Associated Press (AP), it appeared to be a medical transport jet and was registered to a company operating as "MED JETS SA."
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Flight data indicated that a small jet took off from the airport at 6:06 p.m., quickly disappearing from radar about 30 seconds later after climbing to an altitude of 1,600 feet, AP reported.
A photo shared on X by the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management showed a thick cloud of smoke rising near Roosevelt Mall, with first responders blocking traffic and onlookers gathering on a street corner.
The National Transportation Safety Board, which oversees air crash investigations, announced it is gathering information.
Locals Detail Witnessing The Crash
Speaking to the AP, Michael Schiavone, 37, was at his home in Mayfair on Friday when he heard a loud bang, and his house shook. He said it felt like a mini earthquake, and when he reviewed his home security camera footage, it appeared as though a missile was descending.
"There was a large explosion, so I thought we were under attack for a second," Schiavone told the outlet.
A cellphone video taken by a witness moments after the crash depicted a chaotic scene, with debris scattered across the intersection. An orange glow illuminated the area beyond the wreck, while a plume of black smoke billowed into the sky.
Witnesses could be heard crying as sirens blared in the background.
Around 7 p.m., CBS 3 reporter Joe Holden posted on X, formerly Twitter, that Philadelphia police "confirm a small plane crashed in the area of Cottman and the Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia, multiple houses on fire. Unknown injuries at this time."
Chris O'Connell of Philadelphia's Fox 29 posted a user-provided video of the crash.
"Building on fire. Heavy smell of jet fuel in the air," O'Connell reported.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump said in a statement on Truth Social: "So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged. First Responders are already being given credit for doing a great job. More to follow. God Bless you all."
U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy posted on X Friday night: "I am monitoring the crash in Philadelphia and heading to the @FAANews to gather more information."
Pennsylvania Democratic Governor Josh Shapiro said in a statement on X: "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."
U.S. Senator John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, posted on X: "I've been in contact with @PhillyMayor 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."
What Happens Next
The cause of the crash remains unclear at this time and the status of the people on board has not been made available.
Update: 1/31/25, 8:55 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
Update 1/31/25 9:39 p.m. ET: This article has been updated with additional information.
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