A tragic incident occurred in north-east Philadelphia on Friday evening when a medical transport jet carrying six people crashed into a residential neighborhood, erupting in a fireball and setting several homes ablaze just 30 seconds after taking off. The plane, identified as a Learjet 55, was on a medical assignment and was en route to Springfield-Branson National airport in Missouri.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) initially reported that two people were on board, but later confirmed that there were six individuals, including a pilot, medic, flight crew, and a child patient with an adult escort. The plane, registered to a company operating as Med Jets, disappeared from radar after climbing to an altitude of 1,600 ft (487 meters) shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia airport.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the crash and the status of the individuals on board, as well as those injured on the ground. Videos and witness accounts depict a chaotic scene with a large explosion and plume of smoke rising from the crash site in a busy intersection near Roosevelt Mall.
This tragic event comes just days after a commercial airliner collided with a military helicopter near Reagan Washington National airport, resulting in the deaths of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft. Philadelphia governor Josh Shapiro has offered Commonwealth resources to assist in the response to the crash, and roads in the area remain closed as emergency responders continue their efforts.
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