Local News
New video from the plane crash in Philadelphia shows debris hitting a nearby restaurant
7 dead, 19 injured in Northeast Philadelphia plane crash, but numbers could still rise
Philadelphia, PA — A devastating plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening resulted in seven fatalities and at least 19 injuries, according to city officials.
The tragic incident, involving a medical transport jet, also triggered a massive explosion that caused extensive damage across several city blocks.
The crash occurred around 6:10 p.m. near the intersection of Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, shortly after the Learjet 55 departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
The aircraft, carrying six people—including a child and her mother—was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, with its final destination in Mexico.
The victims include all six individuals on board the jet, tragically confirmed dead, as well as one person on the ground who was inside a vehicle at the time of the crash.
Among those killed were medical personnel, the young child, and her mother. The child had recently received care at Shriners Children’s Hospital and was being transported home to Mexico.
The crash triggered a large explosion, igniting fires in five structures and causing widespread destruction.
Shocking new video footage captured debris from the blast striking a nearby restaurant, where at least one customer suffered a head injury after being hit by flying debris. Inside the diner, patrons were seen ducking for cover amidst the chaos.
Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Thiel reported that fires have been extinguished, but emergency crews continue to assess the affected area, which spans four to six city blocks.
First responders are conducting grid searches to account for all individuals, locate evidence, and evaluate structural damage.
Mayor Cherelle Parker, speaking at a Saturday morning briefing, confirmed that at least 19 people sustained injuries. Jefferson Health provided care to 15 individuals, with 12 discharged, two admitted for further treatment, and one patient transferred to another hospital.
Temple University Hospital treated six patients at its Jeanes Campus, all of whom have been released, while one person remains hospitalized in fair condition at the Main Campus. Additionally, a pediatric patient is receiving care at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.
Officials caution that both the injury and death tolls may fluctuate as the investigation progresses.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the investigation. An NTSB investigator arrived at the crash site Friday night, with additional team members joining on Saturday. Investigators are examining not only the primary crash site but also a secondary debris field in a remote area, where unspecified anomalies occurred with the aircraft prior to the crash.
Mayor Parker has urged residents to stay away from the crash site and report any discovered debris to authorities immediately. Anyone concerned about missing loved ones is advised to call 911. A temporary shelter has been established at Samuel Fels High School on the 5500 block of Langdon Street for displaced residents.
Mental health support services are available through the city at 215-685-6440 or online at dbhids.org. The mayor emphasized that no official fundraising efforts, such as GoFundMe campaigns, have been sanctioned at this time.
Mexico’s President, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, confirmed the deaths of six Mexican nationals on board the aircraft. In a statement posted on social media, she expressed condolences and assured that consular authorities are providing support to the victims’ families.
As daylight revealed the extent of the destruction, aerial footage showed a large crater at the crash site near Roosevelt Mall, with vehicles, homes, and businesses severely damaged.
The situation remains fluid, and authorities will continue to provide updates as the investigation unfolds.
CHEROKEE COUNTY, S.C. — Tragedy struck early Sunday morning when a house fire claimed the lives of four family members in Gaffney, South Carolina.
Officials say the blaze broke out inside a one-story wood-frame home on East Third Street shortly before 1:40 a.m.
According to the Cherokee County Coroner’s Office, one resident, identified as Kathy Shippy, managed to escape the burning home and ran across the street to alert a neighbor and call 911.
Surveillance footage from the neighbor’s doorbell camera captured the home already fully engulfed in flames by the time the call was made.
Coroner Dennis Fowler identified the victims as:
- Willie Morris, 38
- Dakeyia Shippy, 25
- Mason Issac, 4
- Jerekry McGill, 7 months
All were residents of the home and relatives of the survivor.
Preliminary findings suggest the fire began after Morris attempted to refuel a kerosene heater inside the home, which caused the blaze to ignite suddenly and spread rapidly.
“All four victims were found on the floor of the kitchen at the rear of the house and appeared to have been trying to escape through a window when they were overcome by smoke,” the coroner’s office reported.
Autopsies are scheduled to determine the precise causes of death and assist investigators in confirming the fire’s origin.
Gaffney Fire Chief Jamie Caggiano urged the public to use extreme caution when operating space or kerosene heaters.
“Never attempt to refuel a heater indoors or while it is still hot,” Chief Caggiano said, emphasizing fire safety during colder months.
The incident remains under joint investigation by the Gaffney Fire Marshal’s Office, the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office, and the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division (SLED).
Authorities described the loss as “heartbreaking” and extended condolences to the family and community members affected by the tragedy.