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.
Emergency crews in Bethesda, Montgomery County, responded to a serious trench collapse Tuesday at a work site in the 8100 block of Kentbury Drive, where two workers became trapped in a deep excavation.
According to initial reports, the incident involved a 10 to 12-foot-deep trench that collapsed while the workers were inside.
One victim was reported to be buried up to the waist, while the second victim was buried up to the head, creating an urgent and dangerous situation for responders.
Specialized rescue teams from Montgomery County Fire and Rescue Service were dispatched to the scene and initiated a technical trench rescue operation.
These types of incidents require careful stabilization of the surrounding soil and trench walls to prevent additional collapse while rescuers work to safely reach and extract the trapped individuals.
Emergency personnel secured the area and began implementing protective measures, including shoring the trench to stabilize the excavation site before attempting to free the victims.
The condition of the trapped workers has not yet been released.
Rescue operations were ongoing as crews worked methodically to remove soil and safely extricate the victims.
Officials are expected to provide further updates as the rescue effort continues and investigators determine what led to the collapse.