Plane crashes in busy residential area near Philadelphia mall
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A business jet has crashed near a mall in Philadelphia, with multiple casualties reported, according to several law enforcement sources.
Harrowing footage of the incident, from multiple angles, showed an enormous explosion after a twin-engine Learjet 55 came down in a โhigh trafficโ residential neighborhood of northeast Philadelphia.
Eyewitnesses said the sky was โlit upโ by the explosion, which was later declared a โmajor incidentโ by the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management.
According to the FAA, the plane departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at 6:30 p.m. local time, en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri and was airborne for only about 40 seconds, reaching an altitude of just 1,600 feet.
Two people were on board when the crash occurred, the FAA said.
The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said in a statement on X that he had spoken with the Philadelphia mayor and local law enforcement, and is offering all Commonwealth resources as the emergency response unfolds.
The Office of Emergency Management said on X that the incident occurred near Cottman and Bustleton avenues, and that roads were closed in the area.
The incident comes as the NTSB continues to investigate the deadly collision Wednesday night between a passenger plane and a military helicopter in Washington, D.C. that killed 67 people.
More follows …
