On Friday night, a medical ambulance plane carrying a young patient crashed near the Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, crashed during takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at approximately 6:30 p.m.
The company said there were four crew members and two passengers – a pediatric patient and an escort – on the plane at the time.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) stated that there were six individuals aboard the aircraft, which was en route to the Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.
“Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our personnel, their families and other victims that may have been hurt on the ground,” Jet Rescue Air Ambulance said in a statement.Â
The company said no names will be released until family members have been notified.
A senior Philadelphia fire official tells Fox News the fires that were sparked by the crash are “now under control.”
The official said when the plane went down, it sprayed jet fuel, soaking nearby row homes. The homes then went up in flames. The fire official tells Fox News six houses and six cars caught on fire.
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to react to the tragedy.
“So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged,” Trump wrote. “First Responders are already being given credit for doing a great job. More to follow. God Bless you all.”
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted on X that he had briefed Trump and other officials on the disaster.
“Just briefed the President and @GovernorShapiro from FAA HQ. I offered the full support of the @USDOT to the Governor and local officials,” Duffy wrote. “Investigators are on site.”
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker held a press conference Friday night. She said she was unable to confirm the number of fatalities. She asked for prayers.
Rescue crews respond to a plane crash in northeast Philadelphia. (X /@KeeleyFox29)
“Don’t touch anything,” Parker said. She said if anyone near the scene comes across debris, call 911.
A medical oxygen tank was seen on the ground outside a McDonald’s near the scene of the crash. A police commander told FOX 29’s Steve Keeley that there are “pieces everywhere.”Â
Rescue crews respond to a plane crash in northeast Philadelphia. (X / @lika_4649)
The City of Philadelphia posted on X, calling the incident “major.”
“Major incident near Cottman and Bustleton Avenues in Northeast Philadelphia across from Roosevelt Mall,” according to the post. “Roads closed in area including parts of Roosevelt Boulevard. Avoid area.”
A video shows the plane loudly crashing in the distance, with a burst of light covering the area.
Gov. Josh Shapiro posted on X, noting he has spoken with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, and is in communication with the police and fire departments.
“We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly,” Shapiro wrote. “We’ll continue to provide updates as more information is available.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation and the FAA will assist. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Philadelphia said it was also on site investigating.
The crash comes just days after an American Airlines passenger plane collided midair with an Army Black Hawk Helicopter near Reagan National Airport, killing 67 people.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.Â
