Another aviation accident occurred in the United States, as reported by the “Adyrna” national portal.
On January 31, at 6:30 PM local time (2:30 AM February 1, Kazakhstan time), a Learjet 55 medical helicopter, which had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, crashed into residential buildings, causing a massive fire.
There were two pilots, two doctors, a patient, and their relative aboard the plane. According to the Federal Aviation Administration, the crash occurred 30 seconds after takeoff.
Witnesses reported that the aircraft struck homes near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard. As a result, several houses caught fire, and nearby vehicles were damaged. The explosion damaged a gas pipeline, which complicated firefighting efforts.
Philadelphia Mayor Sherell Parker stated in a press conference that six people were taken to the hospital, and several homes were severely damaged. The number of fatalities is still uncertain.
Fox News speculated that the cause of the crash was an explosion caused by the combination of fuel and medical oxygen tanks onboard. Emergency services found an oxygen tank near a McDonald’s restaurant and sent it for inspection.
The plane was fully fueled and was heading to Missouri. Experts believe that the medical equipment onboard might have come into contact with flammable materials, contributing to the crash.
U.S. President Donald Trump expressed his condolences on Truth Social. “Another plane crash occurred in Philadelphia. My thoughts are with the innocent lives lost. Federal agencies are fully monitoring the situation. Emergency response teams are doing an excellent job. More information will be provided soon,” he wrote.
A video of the crash has spread on the internet, showing the plane crashing at high speed and causing a large explosion.
An investigation has begun, and the U.S. Aviation Safety Bureau has formed a special commission to determine the exact cause of the crash.
