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.