The number of injuries has risen to 24 following Friday’s plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia, and the city has set an emergency community meeting to help those impacted by the tragedy.
Mayor Cherelle Parker again updated the public as the investigation continues days after a small medical plane plummeted into the densely populated neighborhood, killing seven and injuring two dozen people.
The black box has been recovered, according to authorities, and is expected to help investigators understand what caused the fatal crash. The National Transportation Safety Board said the device was discovered buried eight feet underground at the crash site.
Six people aboard the Learjet died in the crash on Friday, Jan. 31; they were all Mexican citizens. A seventh person, a motorist, has died as well. According to city officials, a total of 24 people were injured; four remain in the hospital and two are in critical condition.
Parker announced an emergency community meeting — which will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m., at Solis-Cohen Elementary School (7001 Horrocks Street)— to help provide local residents with information and resources as massive cleanup efforts are underway.
“Working together in a collaborative intergovernmental way, we will restore this neighborhood in Northeast Philadelphia,” the mayor said.
Portions of Cottman Avenue are still closed, however, all lanes of Roosevelt Boulevard have reopened. There ere currently detours in place along local SEPTA routes near the crash site. SEPTA officials have warned riders to expect delays and cancellations in the area. Detours will be posted, and specific route changes will be announced online at septa.org
A 24-hour shelter remains open at Samuel Fels High School (5500 Langdon Street) to help those directly impacted by the crash, and Red Cross disaster workers are on site to help anyone who has been displaced.
Services are also available for those who experienced property damage — property owners should call the American Red Cross Greater Pennsylvania Region at 1-800-Red-Cross for support or help filing a claim.
Neighbors can text RECOVERPHL to 888-777 for alerts and updates.
“This investigation is still active and ongoing. But Philadelphia is resilient and Northeast Philadelphia is strong,” Parker said. “We will recover — by working together and caring for one another. That’s what we mean by ‘One Philly, a United City.’”
