PHILADELPHIA — The City of Philadelphia issued the following update after the incident last night in Northeast Philadelphia in which a small medical service jet crashed along Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia. This continues to be an ongoing investigation and the situation remains active.
The crash occurred shortly after the aircraft, a Learjet 55 en route to Missouri, departed from the Philadelphia Northeast Airport at 6:06 p.m. approximately 3.5 miles away from the crash site. The medical transport plane crashed into a nearby residential neighborhood shortly after takeoff. The cause of the crash remains under investigation.
Fire companies arrived on the scene at 6:11 p.m. and found heavy fire coming from five residences and multiple vehicles and debris strewn across Cottman Avenue. A second alarm was struck quickly and then a third. This brought more than 150 PFD members to the scene for the response. It took two hours for the incident to be placed under control.
An immediate multiagency response was deployed to the scene from the Philadelphia Fire Department, Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, Managing Director’s Office, PECO, Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) and other federal and state partners to attend to victims, enforce a public safety zone and bring the situation under control. Additional support has come from the PA Emergency Management Agency (PEMA), Department of Environmental Protection and the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania, along with other agencies.
Today, Mayor Cherelle L. Parker confirmed there were six people onboard the plane — a pediatric patient, her mother, and a four-person flight crew. All six passengers on the plane were killed in the crash. The City has confirmed that at least one other person perished in this tragedy – an individual in a car. As of this release, at least 19 people have reported injuries and are being treated at various hospitals in the area.
“We are devastated by the tragic loss of life and my thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as each person injured by this terrible tragedy,” said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. “We know people want to help others displaced by this incident, and we are touched by the outpouring of brotherly love and sisterly affection during these difficult times for so many. We will make available ways you can help as soon as possible. For now, we ask please do not come to this site, as this is an active, ongoing investigation.”
“The Philadelphia Fire Department has been working diligently and carefully at the site of this tragedy since just after 6 p.m. yesterday evening,” said Fire Commissioner Jeffery Thompson. “Our members extinguished multiple fires in multiple locations, immediately began assessing and treating victims and evaluated the area for other hazards. We continue to work closely with the many responding local, state, and federal agencies to ensure a thorough investigation and recovery. We are thankful for the organizations providing support, respite, and sustenance to everyone at the scene. Please continue to keep all those affected in your thoughts and prayers.”
“This tragic incident has deeply impacted our entire city. I am extremely proud of our officers, who have been working hard on the ground since the moment the crash occurred—supporting rescue efforts, securing the surrounding area, and ensuring the safety of everyone involved,” said Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to the families who lost loved ones and to all those injured or displaced by this terrible event. The Philadelphia Police Department will continue working side by side with our local, state, and federal partner agencies throughout the response and investigation, and we remain committed to doing everything in our power to help our community heal from this tragedy.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash and working in close coordination with local and state partners. NTSB with FAA will be providing updates about their investigation in the coming days.
“In this situation, partnerships are critical. We are working around the clock in collaboration with all of our partners – this is an intergovernmental effort and we are thankful for the support,” Mayor Parker said. “We will determine a cause of this terrible tragedy. We are One Philly, One City.”
Resources Available
The City and its partners continue to make resources and services available to the victims and those impacted by the crash and will continue to assess the need for additional resources as the response continues. At this time the following resources and services are available:
- Shelter
The City Office of Emergency Management, the American Red Cross – Southeastern Pennsylvania Region and the School District of Philadelphia are operating a 24-hour shelter for those impacted at Samuel Fels High School, located at 5500 Langdon Street in Northeast Philadelphia. Red Cross disaster workers are there to assist anyone who’s been displaced by this tragedy. PLEASE DO NOT BRING DONATIONS TO THE SITE AT THIS TIME.
- Mental Health Services
Mental health services are available through the City’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services (DBHIDS) for anyone impacted. Call (215) 685-6440 or visit DBHIDS.org.
- Property Damage Assistance
Services are available for those who experienced property damage. Property owners can call the American Red Cross – Southeastern Pennsylvania Region at 1-800 Red Cross for property damage support or for help in filing a claim.
- Business support
The City’s Department of Commerce is working to assist local businesses. Businesses facing operational challenges due to local road closures and the investigation can contact the Department of Commerce’s Mayor’s Business Action Team by calling 215-683-2100 or emailing business@phila.gov
Road Closures
As the response and investigation continue, road closures are in effect and this will be updated. Delays can be expected during the course of investigation and clean up. Motorists are advised to avoid the area by using alternate routes and allowing for extra driving time in areas near the event. Please refrain from double-parking, which creates congestion, limits traffic flow, and is illegal. For further information, visit phila.gov/ready.
Public Transit Service Impacts
Due to impacts to SEPTA bus routes there are currently detours in place. Passengers may experience delays and cancellations. Detours will be posted, and specific route changes are available on the System Status Page online at septa.org. SEPTA Customer Service can be reached at 215-580-7800 and directly on X (formerly Twitter) @septa_social.
Impact to Utilities
PECO has reported impacts to households in the area and is working to restore power. Call PECO’s emergency hotline at 800-841-4141 or report it online at peco.com.
Philadelphia Gas Works (PGW) has reported impacts to households in the area and is working to restore gas. If you smell gas, contact PGW’s 24/7 emergency line by calling 215-235-1212.
Stay Updated
Sign up for emergency and informational messages from the Office of Emergency Management by texting “READYPHILA” to 888-777. You can customize your alerts by visiting phila.gov/ready.
The City will continue to provide updates on this post on Phila.gov. Follow the Office of Emergency Management on X (formerly Twitter) for urgent updates and notifications. Further information will be provided as it becomes available.
