7 Dead and 19 Injured in Northeast Philadelphia Plane Crash
A small medicinal plane crashed into several houses in Northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Friday night, just days after a mid-air collision between the U.S. Army helicopter and an American Airlines commercial jet in Washington D.C. In a statement released by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the crash involving a Learjet 55 took place around 6:30 pm after departing from Northeast Philadelphia airport. All 6 people on the plane were confirmed dead; 1 person in a car on the ground was also killed, and 19 others were injured.
“Two passengers were on board. The plane was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri,” the FAA stated, adding that it would lead an investigation along with The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
According to newly-confirmed Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy, however, there were 6 passengers onboard. Emergency personnel on the scene say the six people on board included two doctors, two pilots, a patient and likely a family member of the patient, CBS News reports.
Several injuries on the ground were also reported, police noted.
Multiple clips posted to social media captured the moments the plane crash took place.
“WOW! Dashcam footage of the jet crashing into a high-traffic area in Philadelphia,” Nick Sortor, an independent journalist, wrote.
“This is INSANE to watch.”
🚨 WOW! Dashcam footage of the jet crashing into a high traffic area in Philadelphia
— Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) February 1, 2025
This is INSANE to watch. pic.twitter.com/saLyi0Z4Ga
Another clip, captured by a doorbell camera, shows the plane crashing into several homes, igniting them on fire.
“That plane appears to be on fire 🔥 before impact!” noted Frederick Van Hook, a combat vet and marine turned entrepreneur.
The footage also captures the reaction of two individuals talking as they were seemingly about to leave the house, only to rush back inside immediately after the aircraft struck the houses across their location.
Ring doorbell camera video of the Plane crash in Philadelphia near Roosevelt Mall at Cottman and the Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia. The crash ignited a massive explosion, setting several homes on fire.
— Fredrick Van Hook (@F_VANHOOK) February 1, 2025
That plane appears to be on fire 🔥 before impact! pic.twitter.com/Ig4EWoLRMZ
As reported by 6ABC Action News, police said that the plane was on medical assignment.
The cause of the crash remains unknown at this time.
In his response to the incident, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro shared that he has spoken with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, and his team is communicating with first responders and “is offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly.”
This is a developing story. Last updated 11:40 am on Saturday, February 1st, 2024.
Photo Credit: ©X/Steve Keeley
Originally published January 31, 2025.
