(NewsNation) — A small plane crashed in Philadelphia Friday evening, causing an explosion and multiple house fires.
Jet Rescue issued a statement confirming the crash of a medical plane carrying four crew, a pediatric patient and an escort. The company did not confirm any survivors and said no names are being released until the families have been notified.
“The aircraft XA-UCI, Learjet 55, crashed after take off from Philadelphia. There were four crew members and two passengers (pediatric patient and escort) on board,” the company said.
The status of those individuals is unknown. Other injuries have been reported on the ground, and multiple homes are on fire.
“As of right now, we have no reports on the number of fatalities, so right now, we’re just asking for prayers for any and everyone who may have been affected,” Philadelphia mayor Cherelle Parker said in a brief news conference shortly after the crash.
She asked residents to stay away from the site due it being an active investigation area.
The FAA said in a statement “a Learjet 55 crashed around 6:30 p.m. local time on Friday, Jan. 31, after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. There were two people on board. The plane was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.”
Gov. Josh Shapiro said he is offering all “Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly.”
Flight data showed a small jet taking off from the airport at 6:06 p.m. and disappearing from radar about 30 seconds later after climbing to an altitude of 1,600 feet.
It is not clear what led to the crash.
This is a developing story. Check back for more details.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
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