Local News
Video shows person on fire after small plane crashes outside Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia
A small private jet crashed in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening, resulting in multiple casualties and widespread destruction, according to local officials.
The exact number of fatalities has not yet been confirmed, though reports from the scene indicate at least one death, with body parts visible among the wreckage.
Several injured individuals have been transported to nearby hospitals for treatment.
The incident occurred approximately 30 seconds after the aircraft took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, located less than three miles from the crash site.
The plane, identified as a Learjet 55 registered to a medical transport company operating as Med Jets, was en route to Springfield, Missouri.
Flight data indicates the jet departed at 6:06 p.m., reaching an altitude of 1,600 feet before it vanished from radar.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro acknowledged the tragedy in a statement, pledging full support from state resources. “We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly,” Shapiro said.
The plane went down near a busy intersection close to Roosevelt Mall in the Rhawnhurst neighborhood, igniting multiple homes and vehicles.
Witnesses described a scene of devastation, with fires raging in residential areas and emergency responders working to control the blaze.
Michael Schiavone, 37, a resident of the nearby Mayfair neighborhood, recalled the terrifying moment. “I was sitting at home when I heard a loud bang, and the house shook like an earthquake,” he said.
Upon reviewing footage from his home security camera, Schiavone described the plane’s descent as resembling a missile. “There was a large explosion—I thought we were under attack for a second.”
Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management confirmed road closures in the affected area as first responders secured the scene.
Cellphone footage captured moments after the crash revealed debris scattered across the intersection, with flames and thick black smoke rising into the sky.
The video also captured the sounds of sirens and distressed onlookers, highlighting the panic and confusion in the immediate aftermath.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that two people were aboard the aircraft at the time of the crash. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead in the investigation and is currently gathering information to determine the cause of the accident.
This incident remains a developing story, with authorities expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.