USA - Small plane crashes into building in Philadelphia

A small aircraft crashed into several residences in north-east Philadelphia on Friday evening.

According to officials, two individuals were on board the plane, and there are reports of additional injuries among those on the ground.

Fire officials in Philadelphia stated that several homes are ablaze following the crash and subsequent explosion, with emergency crews currently on-site.

The crash reportedly occurred just a few blocks from Roosevelt Mall, a three-storey shopping centre located in a densely populated area of the Pennsylvania city, as stated by CBS News.

The location of the incident features a mix of terraced homes and shops.

Footage circulating online depicts the aircraft descending rapidly followed by a large fireball ascending into the sky.

The aircraft, a Learjet 55, departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at approximately 18:30 local time and crashed less than four miles (6.4 km) away, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The FAA has confirmed that the flight was intended for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.

Both the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are conducting an investigation.

Weather reports indicate that the evening has been characterised by cloudiness and rain, with wind speeds ranging from 10 to 20 mph.

The cause of the crash, the identities of those aboard the plane, and the status of any potential survivors remain uncertain.

The plane crash occurs only days following a significantly larger incident involving a commercial jet and a military helicopter in Washington DC, where officials believe that all 67 individuals on both aircraft lost their lives.