Small Aircraft Crashes Near Philadelphia
Six Feared Dead
Philadelphia, Feb 2: A small aircraft crashed near Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia, United States, on Friday evening, triggering a massive fire that spread to nearby houses and vehicles, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Details of the Incident
The aircraft, identified as a Learjet 55, took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was headed to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. However, it crashed within five kilometers of the airport shortly after takeoff.
Conflicting Reports on Casualties
Initially, FAA officials reported that only two people were onboard. However, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy later confirmed that six individuals were on the flight, raising fears that all onboard may have perished.
Fire and Damage
The crash caused a huge blaze, with flames engulfing several nearby houses and vehicles. Emergency response teams, including firefighters and paramedics, rushed to the scene to contain the fire and assess the damage.
Another Aviation Tragedy
This accident comes just days after another major aviation disaster near Washington, where a passenger plane collided with a military helicopter, killing 67 people. The recent crashes have raised concerns over aviation safety in the U.S.
Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the Philadelphia crash, while rescue teams continue their efforts at the crash site.