A tragic incident unfolded in Philadelphia on Friday night when a small plane crashed near Roosevelt Mall, setting homes and vehicles ablaze. The plane had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport before going down near Cottman and Bustleton Avenues, causing widespread devastation.
The City of Philadelphia swiftly labeled the crash a “major incident” in a statement on social media, urging residents to avoid the area. Several road closures, including parts of Roosevelt Boulevard, were put in place as emergency response teams rushed to the scene.
Eyewitnesses Describe the Horrific Scene
Video footage circulating online captured the harrowing moment the plane descended, followed by a powerful explosion that illuminated the sky. Local residents described hearing a loud boom and seeing a fireball erupt as the aircraft made impact.
Firefighters and emergency personnel arrived promptly, battling multiple fires that had engulfed houses and vehicles. Officials have not yet confirmed the number of casualties or injuries, but authorities are actively working to assess the damage.
Similar Incidents Raise Concerns
This disaster follows closely on the heels of another aviation tragedy earlier this week when an American Airlines passenger jet reportedly collided midair with a military helicopter near Reagan National Airport. The recent string of aviation accidents has raised concerns about flight safety regulations and air traffic control staffing.
Authorities Investigating the Cause
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash. Officials have yet to determine whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or other factors played a role in the tragic event.
Road Closures and Safety Advisory
Philadelphia authorities have advised residents to avoid the crash site, as debris and emergency operations continue. The affected roads, including Cottman Avenue and parts of Roosevelt Boulevard, will remain closed until further notice.
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