Sickening moment Philadelphia plane crash jet ploughs into house sparking huge inferno
Sickening moment Philadelphia plane crash jet ploughs into house sparking huge inferno
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This is the horror moment a plane erupted into a fire ball after crashing into a house killing at least six people. The plane was captured crashing in Philadelphia on Friday night, with video showing the large bang and huge ball of fire in the sky about the Pennsylvania city. In the clip, a horrified bystander can be heard shouting, "what the hell" as he tries to process what he's just witnessed. A six-year-old girl and her mother were among the victims of the Learjet 55 crash - the US' second aviation tragedy in less than a week. It's understood that the plane - a medical transport jet, had just taken off in Philadelphia at 6pm local time when it exploded, with the blaze engulfing several homes.
Four crew members were also on board the flight at the time, with the little girl returning to Mexico after having just completed treatment for a life-threatening condition. The crew were also from Mexico, owners Jet Rescue confirmed. Authorities have since launched a major recovery mission with locals warned to stay away from the crash area in the north east of the city. Debris covers city streets and homes are destroyed, witnesses say.
Footage capturing the crash and subsequent fire on the ground was posted on Citizen App, with various clips captured by members of the public. Witnesses exclaim in terror after seeing the explosion, as one man shouts to his friend "oh my God...there's a plane bro". Shai Gold, a spokesperson for the company which owned the Philadelphia plane, a Learjet 55, said: "When an incident like this happens, it’s shocking and surprising. All of the aircraft are maintained, not a penny is spared because we know our mission is so critical.".
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said at a news conference late Friday that officials expect fatalities in this “awful aviation disaster.” He added: "We know that there will be loss.". Friday's tragedy came less than 48 hours after the collision of a passenger jet with a US Army helicopter in Washington DC on Wednesday. The flight, carrying 60 passengers and four crew, plummeted into the river below after colliding with the Blackhawk chopper shortly before landing. At least 67 people have been confirmed dead.
