Small medevac jet carrying pediatric patient crashes near Philadelphia mall, unleashing fireball with multiple casualties reported
Mass casualties have been reported, Philadelphia Councilman Mike Driscoll posted on X.
“So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania,” President Trump wrote on Truth Social.
“More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged. First responders are already being given credit for doing a great job. More to follow. God Bless you all.”
Air traffic control reported a “lost aircraft” around the time of the crash.
“We’re not exactly sure what happened, so we’re trying to figure it out for now,” air traffic control said minutes later, according to audio footage.
“The field is going to be closed, so no inbounds or outbounds.”
At least six people not on the plane were hospitalized with injuries – three were treated and released, with three others listed in stable condition, officials told Fox29.
Video footage captured a large fireball erupting after the plane nose–dived, according to footage captured by Fox29.
Other footage obtained by the outlet captured heavy smoke in the area with debris sprawled in the parking lot off the nearby Roosevelt Mall as local police and fire responded to the scene.
A metal piece of debris also flew through the window of a diner located a half-mile from the crash site and hit a patron in the head. Cardboard was seen covering the hole at the Cottman Avenue restaurant, Fox29 reported.