The Learjet 55 crashed after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
A small medical transport plane, carrying a pediatric patient and five other people, crashed in Philadelphia on Friday, officials said, with a fiery explosion observed upon impact.
The Learjet 55 crashed near the Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia around 6:30 p.m. after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
There is no official word yet on injuries or deaths.
Speaking at a news conference., Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said officials could not yet provide a number of fatalities. “Right now, we’re just asking for prayers,” she told reporters.
Several homes and vehicles were impacted by the crash, said the mayor who urged residents to stay away from the scene.
People run after a small plane crash was reported in northeast Philadelphia, Jan. 31, 2025.
A large fire burned in the wake of the crash, prompting a significant response.
“We heard a loud explosion and then saw the aftermath of flames and smoke,” eyewitness Jimmy Weiss told local ABC station WPVI near the scene.
He added, “It felt like the ground shook .. it was a loud boom. It was startling.”
There were six people on board the aircraft, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which is investigating, along with the National Transportation Safety Board.
An NTSB investigator arrived at the scene Friday night with additional team members expected to arrive Saturday.
Speaking at a follow-up press briefing, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said dozens of state troopers and other state personnel were on on hand to offer help and praised local responders and community members.
“We saw neighbor helping neighbor. We saw Pennsylvanians looking out for one another,” he said.
In a statement posted to social media platform Truth Social, President Donald Trump said: “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.”
Small plane crashes in Northeast Philadelphia
The company that operated the flight, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, said in a statement there were four crew members on board, along with the pediatric patient and an escort.
“At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors,” the company said in the statement. “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.”
A small plane crash was reported in northeast Philadelphia, Jan. 31, 2025.
The air ambulance was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, according to Flight Radar24 data
A car burns after a small plane crash was reported in northeast Philadelphia, Jan. 31, 2025.
Temple University Hospital told ABC News it had received six patients hurt in the crash, although it was not clear if they were in the plane or people who were on the ground.
Three of those patients were treated and released and three remain hospitalized in fair condition, the hospital said.
The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia said none of its patients were onboard the plane and the flight was not affiliated with its hospital.
First responders work the scene after a small plane crashed in Philadelphia, Jan. 31, 2025.
Immediately after the crash, the FAA issued a ground stop at Northeast Philadelphia Airport due to “an aircraft incident.”
People react in video taken with their Ring doorbell camera as a small plane crashes in Philadelphia with a fiery explosion observed upon impact, Jan. 31, 2025.
@domingotattoos/Instagram
The FAA had initially reported there were two people on board the aircraft but later corrected that report.
ABC News’ Ayesha Ali and Sam Sweeney contributed to this report.
