Plane Crash in Northeast Philadelphia, Sparks Fires in Neighborhood
A plane crashed in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening and started fires across a residential area near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard.
The plane, a Learjet 55, had just taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, heading to Springfield-Branson National in Missouri, when the accident happened.
During a press conference on Saturday (2/1) the Mayor confirmed the crash killed seven people and hurt 19 others.
The plane was carrying six people – a child patient, her mother, and medical staff – heading to Springfield-Branson National Airport to refuel and go on to Mexico. The crash scattered pieces across a quarter-mile area and set five buildings on fire.
While federal teams collect evidence at the crash site, it could take months before we know what caused the accident as experts analyze what happened.
The area is still an active scene. Officials are asking people to stay away from the area. If you come across any debris in the area or that you may have transported from your vehicle, please avoid touching it and call 911 right away, as requested by the Mayor.
As neighbors try to cope, support services are available to help affected families find temporary housing and deal with damage to their property.
Samuel Fels High School has opened its doors to help people forced from their homes.
The city has set up mental health support. Anyone who needs help can call 215-685-6440 or visit dbhids.org.
Resources for Residents Affected by the January 31st Aircraft Crash
Call 1-800 Red Cross for property damage or for help in filing a claim. If you need assistance other than Shelter today, for now, call 911.
Outages:
- PECO: 1-800-841-4141
- PGW: 215-235-1212
- Water Department: 215-685-6300
Road Closures:
- Cottman Ave: Between Bustleton and Brous Aves
- Roosevelt Boulevard: Outer lanes from Rhawn St to Tyson Aves
- St. Vincent St: Between Bustleton and Castor Aves
Mental Health:
For people living in this community, watching the news, or on social media, this is traumatic. There are resources available through the City’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services. Visit their website www.DBHIDS.org or you can call to speak to someone at 215-685-6440.
Faith Based Concerns:
Contact Bishop Wilfred Speakes at 267-246-8677or Imam Quaiser Abdullah at 215-823-9782 from the Mayor’s Office of Faith-Based Affairs.
Community Engagement:
Residents affected by the aircraft incident can text RECOVERPHL to 888-777 to get the latest updates and information sent straight to their phones. *standard text messaging rates may apply
Crash Caught On Camera
The crash rocked the ground like an earthquake. “It lit up the whole sky,” witnesses told 6ABC.
Doorbell cameras caught the terrible moment, with heavy smoke rising into the air. The crash started several fires, damaging cars and homes in the area.
Warning: Video may be disturbing to some viewers
Philadelphia firefighters blocked off Calvert and St. Vincent streets during the emergency. City crews rushed to the scene to control the spreading fires. The FAA stopped all flights at Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
Gov. Josh Shapiro offered state help. Mayor Cherelle Parker worked with emergency teams at the crash site.
This is a developing story.
