Plane carrying 6 crashes in Northeast Philadelphia, unleashes ‘mushroom explosion’

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A Learjet 55 carrying six people crashed in Northeast Philadelphia shortly after 6 p.m. Friday, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.

Operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the aircraft was traveling from Philadelphia to Tijuana, Mexico, with a planned stop at Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri when it went down, setting several houses ablaze near Roosevelt Mall.

Jet Rescue Air Ambulance confirmed in a LinkedIn post that there was a pediatric patient aboard who was accompanied by her mother and four other individuals. The Associated Press reported that all six on board were Mexican nationals, with the flight intended to continue to Tijuana after making a stop in Missouri.

“We are asking everyone for their thoughts and prayers for all who may have been impacted and affected by this tragedy,” Mayor Cherelle Parker said at a press conference with state and local officials. “Several dwellings and vehicles were also impacted. And so we are urging people, particularly those families who live in the surrounding area, to please stay home if possible.”

Videos posted online appear to show the aircraft falling rapidly before erupting into flames in the heavily-populated residential neighborhood near the mall. First responders rushed to the crash site where fires lit up the hazy evening sky.