A catastrophic plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening has left the community in shock and authorities scrambling to respond. The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. on January 31, 2025, when a Learjet 55 crashed shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.

Crash Details

The aircraft, identified as a medical transport jet, went down near the intersection of Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue, close to the Roosevelt Mall. Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane “falling out of the sky” before a massive explosion lit up the evening sky.

Casualties and Damage

Conflicting reports have emerged regarding the number of people on board:

• The FAA initially stated that two people were on the aircraft
• Other sources, including Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, reported six people were aboard, including a pediatric patient

The crash resulted in:

• Multiple homes and vehicles catching fire
• A large debris field spanning the crash site
• Potential injuries or fatalities on the ground

Emergency Response

The Philadelphia Police Department initiated a citywide emergency response to combat the spreading fires. Governor Josh Shapiro announced that all available Commonwealth resources are being deployed to assist in the response efforts.

Investigation

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched investigations into the cause of the crash. Early data suggests that the aircraft reached an altitude of 1,650 feet before rapidly descending at a rate of 11,000 feet per minute.

Community Impact

The crash has deeply affected the Rhawnhurst neighborhood, with residents describing the event as traumatic. John Schione, a 37-year-old local resident, likened the experience to “a minor earthquake” and initially feared an attack.

As the investigation continues and the full extent of the damage becomes clear, the Northeast Philadelphia community faces a long road to recovery from this tragic event.

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