DStv Channel 403 Saturday, 15 February 2025

Destruction as executive jet crashes in Philadelphia, sparking blazes

PHILADELPHIA - A small jet with six people onboard crashed into a busy Philadelphia suburb on Friday, officials said, showering wreckage over a wide areas and sparking blazes that caused extensive damage to homes and vehicles.

The aircraft, which the Federal Aviation Administration said was a Learjet 55 executive aircraft, crashed into the densely-populated district of the city, packed with homes, shops and busy roads.

It was bound for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, and had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, the FAA said in a statement confirming that it would investigate along with the National Transportation Safety Board.

"We have no reports on the number of fatalities," Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said at the scene, adding "several dwellings and vehicles were impacted."

Governor Josh Shapiro, who the mayor said was heading to the crash site, said he was "offering all resources as (emergency services) respond to the small private plane crash." 

"We'll continue to provide updates as more information is available."

US President Donald Trump on Friday took to his Truth Social platform to say he was "sad" to see "more souls lost" in the Philadelphia tragedy, praising first responders and adding: "God Bless you all."

The Learjet that crashed was an aircraft used to transport medical patients, according to flight tracking site FlightAware.

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