Authorities have launched an investigation after a small plane crashed in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday, Jan. 31. Emergency crews rushed to the scene after the crash triggered an explosion near Roosevelt and Cottman Avenue just after 6 p.m.
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Explosive Fires Erupt After Plane Crash In Philadelphia: What We Know
CBS News reports that the crash sparked fires in several nearby residences. Neighbors said their homes shook when the plane went down. Additionally, police sources told CBS News that parts of the plane hit cars in the area.
Per 6ABC, the FAA confirmed that a Learjet 55 took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, heading to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, when it crashed. Authorities stated that the plane was reportedly on a medical assignment. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy revealed six people were on board, although the FAA initially reported two.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has taken to X (formerly Twitter) to share he’s staying in contact with Philadelphia officials.
“We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly,” Governor Shapiro initially wrote.
At this time, authorities believe the six onboard the jet have passed. Meanwhile, authorities have yet to release a casualty figure for those impacted on the ground at the time of the crash.
Social Media Weighs In
Meanwhile, in The Shade Room’s comment section, social media users offered prayers to those onboard and impacted by the crash.
Instagram user @lovelyti__ wrote, “This is so sad, something sinister is going on! prayers to all those lost in the past few days due to these “sporadic crashes”🙏🏽”
Instagram user @joey.tls wrote, “2 big crashes in a week, something’s not adding up.”
While Instagram user @latrezanderson wrote, “Trump gonna be like “it was Obama and Biden…”😒”
Then Instagram user @adebukola_xoxo wrote, “This has been the LONGEST January I’ve ever experienced.”
Another Instagram user @leonrossonehunnit wrote, “That’s it…. I’ll be in the house the rest of the year….”
While another Instagram user @iamrollingray wrote, “Trump term always brings Devastation! & division! We only In the 1st quarter 😩”
Instagram user @theestrawberry_ wrote, “This is probably the scariest week I’ve lived thru in my 21 years this is insane.”
Finally, Instagram user @thats_sorayray wrote, “Wow 😢 prayers to those families 🙏🏾”
