NORTHEAST PHILADELPHIA – Hundreds of firefighters and first responders have descended on Northeast Philadelphia after a plane carrying people crashed Friday evening.
The incident occurred around 6:30 p.m. at Cottman Avenue and Bustleton Avenue near the Roosevelt Mall.
There are initial reports of fatalities, but law enforcement has yet to confirm any further details.
Follow FOX 29’s live blog for the latest updates:
FAA increase number
8:50 p.m.: The Federal Aviation Administration increased the number of passengers onboard from two to six.
Featured
Authorities say two people were on board a small plane that crashed in Northeast Philadelphia. Here’s what we know so far about the victims and the ongoing investigation.
Mayor gives update
8:40 p.m.: Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker spoke at the scene urging residents to stay away from the very active scene, and to call 911 if they see any debris from the crash.
“Stay in your homes,” Parker said.
The mayor did not offer any further details about the crash, but said more updates will come throughout the night, and when daylight comes Saturday.
Number of passengers
8:23 p.m.: The number of passengers onboard the plane at the time of the crash is still unclear as the FAA, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance and U.S. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy all released different statements.
Jet Rescue said there were four crew members and two passengers, a pediatric patient and an escort, were on board. They could not confirm any survivors.
Duffy reported six people were onboard in a statement released on X.
FAA releases statement
7:50 p.m.: Two people were onboard a Learjet 55 when it took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, according to the FAA.
Officials say the plane was on its way to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri before crashing in Northeast Philadelphia at 6:30 p.m.
The FAA and NTSB will be investigating the incident.
Gov. Shapiro speaks out
7:41 p.m.: Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro posted a statement to X following the crash:
Witness reports
6:30 p.m. Witnesses say there were multiple cars on fire after the plane went down as neighbors nearby heard loud explosions.
There are reports from eyewitnesses who thought they were hearing thunder.
Related
Witnesses reported multiple cars were on fire after the plane went down as neighbors nearby heard loud explosions.
Debris and several active fires were scattered across the scene within minutes of the crash.
A worker from a nearby business said he saw a “big old explosion of light from out of nowhere.”
Video captures crash
6 p.m.: Viewer-provided Ring Doorbell video shared with FOX 29 shows what appears to be a plane in the distance falling out of the sky, followed by a large explosion with huge plumes of smoke.
The crash comes just days after an American Airlines plane and an Army helicopter collided over Washington, D.C., claiming the lives of dozens.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
The Source: Information from this story is provided by law enforcement sources, witness accounts and original reporting by the FOX 29 team.
