A medical transport jet crashed shortly after takeoff in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening, triggering a massive explosion that set multiple homes on fire. The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was en route to Missouri when it went down near Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue around 6:30 p.m.
Surveillance footage showed the aircraft descending rapidly before exploding. Emergency responders arrived quickly to contain the fires and assist victims. Several people were injured, but the exact number of casualties remains unknown.
Governor Josh Shapiro pledged state support, while the NTSB and FAA launched an investigation. This tragedy follows a recent fatal aviation accident in Washington, D.C.