A small medical transport plane, carrying a pediatric patient and five other people, crashed in Philadelphia on Friday, officials said, with a fiery explosion observed upon impact.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The Learjet 55 crashed near the Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia around 6:30 p.m. after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There is no word yet on injuries or deaths.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Speaking at a news conference shortly after 8:30 p.m., Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said officials could not yet provide a number of fatalities. “Right now, we’re just asking for prayers,” she told reporters.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Several homes and vehicles were impacted by the crash, said the mayor who urged residents to stay away from the scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
A large fire burned in the wake of the crash, prompting a significant response.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“We heard a loud explosion and then saw the aftermath of flames and smoke,” eyewitness Jimmy Weiss told local ABC station WPVI near the scene.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
He added, “It felt like the ground shook .. it was a loud boom. It was startling.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
There were six people on board the aircraft, according to the Federal Aviation Administration, which is investigating, along with the National Transportation Safety Board.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The company that operated the flight, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, said in a statement there were four crew members on board, along with the pediatric patient and an escort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors,” the company said in the statement. “No names are being released at this time until family members have been notified. Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our personnel, their families and other victims that may have been hurt on the ground.”<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n The air ambulance was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, according to Flight Radar24 data<\/p>\n\n\n\n Temple University Hospital told ABC News it had received six patients hurt in the crash, although it was not clear if they were in the plane or people who were on the ground.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Three of those patients were treated and released and three remain hospitalized in fair condition, the hospital said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia said none of its patients were onboard the plane and the flight was not affiliated with its hospital.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The Philadelphia Fire Department advised residents to avoid the area of Calvert and St. Vincent streets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Immediately after the crash, the FAA issued a ground stop at Northeast Philadelphia Airport due to “an aircraft incident.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said he was monitoring the crash and heading to the FAA to get information.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said his team is communicating with local officials and first responders and is “offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n The FAA had initially reported there were two people on board the aircraft but later corrected that report.<\/p>\n\n\n\n