A devastating plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia last night left six dead, including a child and her mother. The medical transport jet, a Learjet 55, crashed near Roosevelt Mall at about 6:30 p.m., causing a huge fireball that consumed houses and vehicles in the area.
This incident is confirmed when the flight is ferrying back to Mexico after the young patient has undergone his medical treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. The aircraft had a layover in Missouri before heading to Tijuana.
Rapid response crews were on hand to battle fires and secure the area. A minimum of three patients are confirmed to be treated in local hospitals, while other patients are considered stable.
Federal agencies like NTSB, FBI, and ATF have taken up the case for investigation. The circumstances also did not prove to be extreme in terms of weather; however, the low visibility prevalent in the area was considered.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker termed the incident as the worst and promised the resources for it to take place.
“Our hearts go out to the victims and their families, Shapiro said during a press briefing. “We stand together in this tragedy.”
Residents near the crash site were asked to keep away from debris and report to authorities any they may find on the ground. A temporary shelter has been made available at Samuel Fels High School for displaced people.
Investigations of the tragic loss of six people continue, which has shaken this community.
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