Explosion erupts in front of drivers at stoplight after plane plummets
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A jaw-dropping video captured the terrifying moment when a small plane carrying a pediatric patient and her mother crashed into the ground in Philadelphia. The incident occurred on Friday evening and was witnessed by stunned onlookers.

The dramatic footage, taken from a dashcam of a vehicle stopped at a light on Cottman Avenue, shows the airplane as a small speck in the night sky before it rapidly descends towards the ground.

A massive explosion is ignited as the plane hit the ground, sending huge flames into the sky and causing a plume of smoke to form above.  

The chaotic scene caused panic among drivers near the intersection, with some exiting their vehicles to get a closer look at the unfolding tragedy. Others chose to come to a halt or quickly move away from the area, shocked by the sudden turn of events.

A doorbell camera also captured the fiery disaster with the startling footage showing two unsuspecting people as they left their home before the explosion.

Seconds into the dramatic clip, a white orb is seen picking up speed before bright light fills the sky – sending the witnesses into a bout of full-fledged terror. 

The people in the video let out gut-wrenching screams as they rush back inside to shield themselves from the catastrophic crash. 

The blaring explosion sounds like shattering glass as the sky becomes tinted orange. 

The disastrous incident at the bustling intersection of Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue has resulted in several injuries and set multiple homes on fire, NBC10 reported.

There have yet to be any reports to fatalities, but the Learjet 55 hit several buildings and cars in the area leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.

The private jet with six people onboard left Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was headed towards Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. 

Four of the people on the plane were crew members and two were passengers – one pediatric patient and her mother – Jet Rescue Air Ambulance shared in a statement.

‘At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors. No names are being released at this time until family members have been notified,’ the company wrote. 

Shai Gold, a representative for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, disclosed to NBC10 that the patient was a young girl who was returning to Tijuana, Mexico after receiving ‘life-saving’ care in America. 

‘All I can say is, the patient was sponsored by a third-partner charity to undergo life-saving treatment in the US,’ Gold said. 

‘She did her course of care. She was going home. She fought quite a lot to survive, and unfortunately, this tragedy on the way home.’

Flightradar data revealed the plane had reached an altitude of 1,650 feet before reporting a vertical drop of -11,008 fpm. 

One shell-shocked witness described the calamity to NBC10. He said he was shopping inside the nearby Roosevelt Mall when ‘everything just shook.’

He explained: ‘I thought the buildings fell or something. I look outside and all you see is a huge explosion. 

‘You see all this fire and I started shaking then I see a person running on fire.’

The witness said he does not know what happened to the person he saw engulfed in flames.  

The site also points to the aircraft being registered to a company under the name Med Jets.

City officials said that police and fire crews are on the scene, with nearby roads being closed.

They have also warned residents to stay away from the aftermath of the atrocity. 

Governor Josh Shapiro posted on X saying: ‘I’ve spoken with @PhillyMayor and my team is in communication with @PhillyPD, @PhilaOEM, and @PhillyFireDept.

‘We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly.

‘We’ll continue to provide updates as more information is available.’

Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman also said: ‘I’ve been in contact with @Philly Mayor and awaiting further information on the tragic small plane crash in Northeast Philly.

‘For folks in the area, please follow guidance from local officials and police officers.’

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash. The NTSB will lead the investigation.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker addressed the tragedy at a press conference, saying: ‘As of right now, we have no reports on the number of fatalities. 

‘So right now, now we’re just asking for prayers for any and everyone who may have been affected. 

‘We’re urging you to please stay away from the scene. If you see debris, call 911. Don’t touch anything. This is still an active scene under investigation.’ 

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