A twin-engine commercial aircraft carrying at least six people crashed into a residential neighborhood near a shopping center in northeast Philadelphia on the evening of January 31, causing a massive explosion and multiple casualties on the ground, CNN reported.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the crash occurred around 6:30 PM, near Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia.

According to The Philadelphia Inquirer, at least one house and several vehicles caught fire. The crash happened amid cold, rainy weather and low visibility.

Authorities have not yet released official casualty numbers. However, local CNN affiliate KYW reported multiple fatalities on the ground.

Conflicting Reports on Number of Passengers

Initial reports from the FAA suggested only two people were on board. However, later sources indicated the aircraft was carrying at least six people, including a young girl.

In an official statement, the FAA identified the aircraft as a Learjet 55, which departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.

Meanwhile, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed on social media that there were reports of six people aboard.

Medical Air Transport Among the Victims

According to Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the aircraft was a medical transport flight carrying four crew members, a pediatric patient, and a companion.

"Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our employees, their families, and any victims who may have been injured on the ground," the company stated.

Massive Fire and Emergency Response

Footage from CBS Philadelphia showed a large fire at the crash site, with multiple fire trucks responding. The condition of the victims remains unclear.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated on social media that he had mobilized all available resources to respond to the incident.

The crash occurred near the intersection of Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, a densely populated area with rows of tightly packed homes.

Deadliest U.S. Air Disaster Since 2009

The incident follows another deadly aviation tragedy earlier this week when an American Airlines flight collided midair with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., killing 67 people. That crash marked the deadliest aviation accident in the U.S. since 2009.

(According to CNN, Reuters, CBS Philadelphia)