Jet Rescue Air Ambulance said its aircraft crashed with four crew members, one pediatric medical patient and the patient's escort on board.
"At this time we cannot confirm any survivors," the company said in a statement.
The crash occurred about 6.30pm on Friday.
Major incident near Cottman and Bustelton Avenues in Northeast Philadelphia across from Roosevelt Mall. Roads closed in area including parts of Roosevelt Boulevard. Avoid area. — Philadelphia OEM (@PhilaOEM) @PhillyFireDept @PhillyPolice pic.twitter.com/6OSNNs4eCDJanuary 31, 2025
President Donald Trump wrote on social media that it was "so sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged. First Responders are already being given credit for doing a great job."
The crash follows this week's collision of an American Airlines jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, DC which killed 67 in the deadliest plane crash in the US since 2009.
The Federal Aviation Administration said six people were on the Learjet 55. Local media reported it was near the Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia and that there were multiple injuries on the ground.
Video aired on local TV stations showed the plane in a sharp dive before slamming into the ground in a heavily populated area of northeast Philadelphia and exploding in a massive fireball.
At least one house and multiple cars were on fire, the Philadelphia Inquirer reported. The weather was cold and rainy and with low visibility at the time of the crash.
The air ambulance had left Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was headed to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, about 1800km to the southwest, the FAA said in a statement.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker told a press conference at the scene of the crash that she did not have information on numbers of victims. The situation is "all hands on deck, that's where we are right now," she said.
A large fire and several fire trucks were visible at the crash scene in images broadcast by the Philadelphia CBS affiliate. The station said the status of victims was not immediately known.
Six people were reportedly on the small plane which crashed in Philadelphia. (AP PHOTO)
About two hours after the crash the fires were mostly out, according to TV images.
The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management said on social media there was a "major incident" in the area of the reported crash but provided no other details.
Neither the Philadelphia police department nor the fire department immediately responded to requests for comment.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro wrote on social media, "We are offering all Commonwealth resources" as first responders work at the scene of the crash.
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