Philadelphia business owners are facing uncertainty after a plane crashed carrying multiple people. Customers and employees scrambled to understand what had happened as the explosion rocked the area.
Among those affected was Bun, a local business owner who, like many others, was forced to evacuate after the Learjet medical transport plane crashed shortly after 6 p.m. While he believes his business may have avoided major damage, others on Cottman Avenue were not as fortunate.
“We hear the explosions, everybody was just shocked,” said Brian Bun, co-owner, working at the time of the plane crash. “We take a look in the sky, there’s like smoke, fire. That moment was just unbelievable.”
Gregory Ott, owner of Ott and Associates, anticipates significant damage to the roof of his building but has no idea what the interior looks like. With at least 20 customers visiting daily to drop off checks, Ott is working quickly to secure a temporary location nearby to continue operations.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker acknowledged the impact on businesses in Northeast Philadelphia, as owners now face the challenge of assessing damage and rebuilding after the devastating crash.
Hundreds of firefighters and first responders rushed to Northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening after a plane carrying six people crashed. The incident took place around 6:30 p.m. near Cottman Avenue and Bustleton Avenue, close to Roosevelt Mall.
Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia confirmed that one of the passengers had been a patient at their facility and was on her way back to her home country.
In a statement, the hospital expressed condolences to the families of the medical crew and pilots who lost their lives, as well as to those affected on the ground. They also thanked first responders for their swift action.
