Photo credit: www.cbc.ca
Small Plane Crash in Northeast Philadelphia
A small airplane accident occurred shortly after takeoff in Northeast Philadelphia, creating a scene of chaos and emergency response. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed the incident, stating that state resources are being made available to assist with the emergency efforts.
The crash took place approximately five kilometers from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, which primarily accommodates business jets and charter flights. Eyewitness accounts and images from the scene indicated that nearby residential structures caught fire due to the crash.
Smoke billowed into the sky following the Friday evening incident, involving what the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has identified as a Learjet 55. Emergency management officials in Philadelphia have classified the situation as a “major incident,” prompting road closures in the vicinity to facilitate the response.
Flight data revealed that the aircraft took off from the airport and lost radar contact merely 30 seconds into its ascent, having reached an altitude of approximately 487 meters.
A post shared on the social platform X by the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management depicted a substantial smoke plume near Roosevelt Mall, where first responders worked diligently to manage traffic and the growing crowd of onlookers.
The crash occurred at a busy intersection adjacent to Roosevelt Mall, an outdoor shopping venue situated in the Rhawnhurst residential area, which is home to multiple stores and eateries. According to the FAA, there were two individuals on board the Learjet, which was headed for Springfield, Missouri.
The investigation into the incident will be led by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which has commenced gathering relevant information regarding the crash.
Source
www.cbc.ca