Almost a week after a tragic medevac plane crash that claimed seven lives and left a portion of Northeast Philadelphia in ruins, Roosevelt Mall and the surrounding area have begun to reopen. According to FOX 29 News, investigators are still determining why the Learjet destined for Missouri plummeted into the mall's parking lot, leaving a stark eight-foot-deep crater.
The crash not only took lives but also caused extensive damage to nearby cars and structures. CBS News reported that at least 24 individuals were injured, with two remaining in critical condition. Managing director of Philadelphia Adam Thiel remarked on the path to reopening, "I won't say normalcy because that is going to take much longer, but certainly allowing regular activities to take place throughout that area," in a statement, obtained by CBS News. Cleanup efforts have been a collaborative push with city agencies focused on street cleaning and assessing structural integrity before the resumption of traffic and business operations.
As part of the recovery efforts, teams from the city's Office of Emergency Management surveyed the crash's impact, which affected hundreds of businesses and residences. 6ABC reported that while 366 homes were impacted by the crash, 21 homes suffered damage and four were completely destroyed. Despite the reopening of the area, a memorial with candles, flowers, and flags has been erected to honor the victims of the crash, all from Mexico. A community vigil is scheduled for tonight at 6 p.m. at the memorial site, according to 6ABC.
In addition to the physical damage restoration, psychological scars remain for the community as individuals grapple with the aftermath. "Five minutes before the crash, I was right at that stop where the plane crashed," a man said. "I am still frightened, but I guess I am lucky." Victims' stories and their lost livelihoods add a personal dimension to the tragedy. "In the house, the only thing left in good condition is the television and sofa," a man shared after the accident, which rendered his home unlivable. This statement was captured by CBS News.
While city leaders work to mitigate the fallout from the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has completed its on-site investigation, also retrieving a cockpit voice recorder for analysis. The full extent of the tragedy may not be known until the NTSB releases its preliminary report in about a month. Mayor Cherelle Parker took an active role in providing resources and updates, planning a town hall meeting at the Solis-Cohen Elementary School, as per 6ABC's coverage.
