A chaotic scene in Philadelphia on Friday night, as a Learjet air ambulance plane crashed into a strip mall in the northeast part of the city.
The crash caused a massive fireball, which ignited multiple cars and residences in the immediate area. Video shows the plane descending rapidly at a steep nose-down angle, before impacting and exploding. Witnesses in the area said debris was scattered across a large field, with an oxygen tank found a quarter mile from the impact.
The FAA confirmed this evening that six people were aboard the flight, all from Mexico. It included four crew members, a pediatric patient, and the patient's mother. The patient had received life-saving treatment for a disease and was heading back to Mexico to celebrate with family. The flight was leaving Philadelphia, bound for Branson, Missouri, when it crashed shortly after takeoff.
There has been no official word on fatalities from aviation officials. The company that runs the air ambulance service told FOX News that they believe all six people aboard perished in the crash. There were reports of injuries on the ground as well, but no number or severity has been given.
Fire crews say the ensuing fire from the explosion has been contained. President Trump released a statement this evening saying it is "so sad to see more innocent souls lost," and added his team is "fully engaged" in addressing the incident. The NTSB and FAA are both on scene conducting their investigation.
The crash comes two days after a mid-air collision near Washington D.C. claimed 67 lives.
Photo: KRISTON BETHEL / AFP / Getty Images
