A small plane crashed near Roosevelt Mall on Friday evening, triggering a massive explosion that set multiple homes ablaze and resulted in multiple casualties, according to authorities and eyewitness reports.

The aircraft went down shortly after 6 p.m. near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, just over three miles from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. Video footage shared on social media captured the moment the plane nose-dived, followed by a fiery explosion that sent flames and thick black smoke billowing into the night sky. Debris from the crash was seen scattered across the mall’s parking lot as emergency responders rushed to the scene.

Authorities confirmed that the plane was carrying two passengers at the time of the crash, though their conditions remain unclear. Firefighters and police officers worked through the night to contain the fires that spread to nearby homes, and local residents were urged to evacuate as a precautionary measure.

Learn more: What is the Learjet Aircraft That Crashed Near Roosevelt Mall, Philadelphia?

Philadelphia Plane Crash
Philadelphia Plane Crash

“We are still assessing the extent of the damage and casualties,” a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Fire Department stated. “Our teams are on the ground working tirelessly to extinguish the flames and conduct rescue operations.”

Eyewitnesses described a horrifying scene, with some reporting hearing a loud explosion before seeing the sky light up in flames. “It was like a bomb went off,” said one local resident. “The whole neighborhood shook, and then we saw the fire spreading quickly.”

Investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash, though no immediate details have been released. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have been notified and are expected to conduct a full investigation into the incident.

This tragic event comes just days after a deadly midair collision in Washington, D.C., that claimed the lives of 67 people. Aviation safety experts are now raising concerns over recent incidents involving small aircraft, urging for a closer examination of flight safety regulations.

Emergency crews remain at the scene, and authorities have asked residents to avoid the area while investigations continue. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.

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