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.
Local News
Donald Robert Morris-Jones Charged in Fatal Wake County Cycling Crash That Killed One and Injured Seven; Bond Set at $1 Million
WAKE COUNTY, N.C. — A devastating collision involving a group of cyclists in Wake County, North Carolina, left one person dead and seven others injured. A 76-year-old Apex man, identified as Donald Robert Morris-Jones, has been arrested and faces multiple felony charges in connection with the crash.
According to the information provided in court records, Morris-Jones was arrested on November 7, 2026, following an investigation by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol. Authorities allege that he struck multiple cyclists and failed to remain at the scene after the collision.
The incident has deeply affected the cycling community, with one family mourning the loss of a loved one and seven other victims facing injuries and recovery.
Morris-Jones faces a series of charges across two related cases. The charges listed in the supplied court information include:
- One count of felony death by vehicle.
- Seven counts of felony serious injury by vehicle.
- Eight counts of felony hit-and-run involving serious injury or death.
- Driving while impaired.
- Reckless driving with wanton disregard.
- Driving left of center.
The eight hit-and-run counts allege that Morris-Jones failed to stop following the collision, which resulted in one death and injuries to seven other people.
These are allegations contained in the criminal charges. Morris-Jones is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
One charging document alleges that Morris-Jones was driving on State Road 1390 while under the influence of an impairing substance, resulting in serious injuries to another person.
The document describes injuries that reportedly included damage to the person’s leg and ribs, as well as a laceration to the left arm.
A driving-while-impaired record indicates that a blood test was ordered. However, the results had not been released in the information provided, and no conclusion about the test results can be drawn at this stage.
The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is investigating the circumstances surrounding the collision.
A judicial official set secured bonds totaling $1 million across the two cases.
The bond amounts were listed as:
- $750,000 in one case.
- $250,000 in the related case.
According to the supplied court documents, the judicial official cited the combined offenses and described an “overwhelming danger to society.” The official also noted that Morris-Jones appeared to have no significant criminal history while expressing concern that he had allegedly attempted to flee to avoid prosecution.
The bond decision reflects the court’s assessment at this stage of the proceedings and does not establish guilt.
Morris-Jones is scheduled to appear in Wake County District Court on November 9, 2026, at 1:30 p.m. The hearing is listed for Courtroom 304.
Further proceedings are expected to address the charges as the case moves through the judicial process. Additional information about the crash, the victims, and the investigation may be released as it becomes available.
Beyond the criminal charges and court proceedings, the crash has left families and an entire cycling community facing a painful loss.
One person will not return home, while seven others have reportedly suffered serious injuries. Their loved ones must now navigate the uncertainty, emotional strain, and challenges that follow a sudden and traumatic event.
For the cyclists involved, what began as a morning ride ended in tragedy. Friends, relatives, and fellow riders are left remembering the person who died while hoping for recovery and healing for those who survived.
Our thoughts are with the family of the person who lost their life, the seven injured cyclists, and everyone affected by this devastating collision.
May the person who died be remembered with love and dignity, and may the injured victims find strength and healing in the days ahead.