Philadelphia plane crash latest: Medical jet with six aboard crashes into busy residential street in fiery explosion

A small plane crashed shortly after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia on Friday night, near Roosevelt Mall, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

Surveillance footage captured the jet going down near Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue around 6:30 p.m. on January 31, 2025.

The FAA confirmed in a statement released at 7:30 p.m. that a Learjet 55 had crashed after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. However, it was unclear at first how many people were on board. The FAA initially reported two passengers, while U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy later stated that six people were on the flight, heading to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.

Following the crash, the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management alerted residents via social media about road closures near the mall. Officials also reported that at least three nearby homes caught fire near St. Vincent and Calvert streets.

Air traffic control recordings revealed that the flight had been cleared for takeoff, but once airborne, controllers lost contact with the aircraft.

Authorities urged people in the area to evacuate on foot rather than drive, as they wanted to keep the roads clear for emergency responders.

Videos obtained by NBC10 showed large plumes of smoke and fire erupting after the crash. One witness, who was in a drive-thru line at the time, recorded footage of the burning wreckage.

Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the incident on X (formerly Twitter), stating that he was in contact with Philadelphia officials and offering state resources to assist in the response.

“We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly,” he posted.

Pennsylvania Representative Brendan Boyle also commented on X, calling the crash “devastating” and expressing sympathy for the victims while thanking first responders.

Authorities later confirmed that the aircraft was a medical transport jet carrying six people. Among them was a young girl who had been receiving treatment for a life-threatening illness in the U.S. and was returning to Mexico.

All six people on board remain unaccounted for. Additionally, six individuals on the ground were hospitalized following the crash. Three of them are still receiving care at Temple University Hospital’s Jeanes Campus, while the other three have been released.

Officials continue to investigate the cause of the crash.