Small plane crashes in NE Philadelphia, igniting fires and causing injuries

Jan 31

Lauren Taylor Anchor/Reporter

By Lauren Taylor (Anchor/Reporter)

A small plane reportedly crashed near northeast Philadelphia Friday evening, Jan. 31, igniting fires in nearby homes and vehicles. Police confirmed that two people were aboard the small plane, and emergency responders pulled one body from the wreck.

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According to reports, police believe the deceased was the pilot based on the clothing found at the scene.

The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that a Learjet 55 crashed around 6:30 p.m. local time after departing from the airport. The plane was bound for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.

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Authorities also said multiple people on the ground suffered injuries.

In video footage, multiple row homes, vehicles and nearby businesses can be seen on fire, with Roosevelt Mall located near the crash site.

“It’s a densely residential neighborhood and packed with rows of rowhomes,” CBS News reported.

Eyewitnesses described hearing an explosion, feeling their homes shake, and then seeing a massive fireball.

It remains unclear how many people are injured or the exact number of casualties.

The crash occurred just two days after a military Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines regional jet collided midair near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Both aircraft landed in the Potomac River, resulting in the deaths of 67 people, with no survivors.

This is a developing story.