Philadelphia Air Ambulance Crash: Fiery Explosion Rocks Busy Neighborhood

A tragic air ambulance crash shook a neighborhood in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Friday evening as the aircraft burst into a massive fireball near the Roosevelt Mall.

Terrifying Scene as Learjet 55 Plummets

Eyewitness footage captured the horrifying moment when the twin-engine Learjet 55 came down in a densely populated residential area in northeast Philadelphia. The impact triggered an enormous explosion, lighting up the sky and prompting officials to declare a "major incident."

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the plane took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at 6:30 p.m. local time, bound for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. However, the aircraft remained aloft for just 40 seconds, climbing only to 1,600 feet before it fell at an alarming rate of 11,000 feet per minute.

Who Was on Board?     

The  air ambulance was carrying six people, including a *pediatric patient*, an *adult caretaker*, and *four crew members*, according to *Jet Rescue Air Ambulance*, the company operating the flight. In a statement, the company said, "At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors," emphasizing that *the names of those on board will not be released until families are notified.* ## Impact on the Ground

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said in a news conference that several houses and cars were destroyed due to the crash. She asked the public to avoid the area while first responders were working to ascertain the extent of the damage.

Meanwhile, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said that state resources are mobilizing to support local authorities to handle the aftermath of the disaster.

As the authorities investigate the cause of the crash, officials have asked the public to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts.