Pediatric patient among 6 on plane that crashed in Northeast Philadelphia: 'It was just horrific

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- A medical transport plane carrying a child, her mother and four other people went down in a fiery crash near a mall in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday.

The Learjet 55 crashed near the Roosevelt Mall around 6:30 p.m. after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, according to authorities.

Moment of impact: Plane crash caught on multiple videos in Northeast Philadelphia

Where was the plane going?

The jet was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri when it went down.

In a statement, Shriners Children's said the child on board had received care from the Philadelphia hospital and was being taken back to her home country of Mexico, along with her mother, when the crash happened.

"Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the medical crew and pilots who were also lost in this tragic event - as well as all of the people who were affected on the ground - and we're thankful to the first responders for their quick action," Shriners said in a statement.

Video shows vehicles and other debris on fire after plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia

The company that operated the flight, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, said in a statement there were four crew members on board.

"At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors," the company said in the statement. "No names are being released at this time until family members have been notified. Our immediate concern is for the patient's family, our personnel, their families and other victims that may have been hurt on the ground."

Speaking at a news conference shortly after 8:30 p.m., Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said officials could not yet provide a number of fatalities.

"So right now we're just asking for prayers," she told reporters.

The Philadelphia Fire Department advised residents to avoid the area of Calvert and St. Vincent streets.

Mayor Parker urged residents not to touch any debris and to call 911. A shelter is available for residents at Samuel Fels High School located on the 5500 block of Langdon Street, the mayor said.

What we know about injuries

A large fire burned in the wake of the crash, prompting a significant response. Vehicles, homes and even people in the area could be seen on fire.

"It was just horrific. I was just driving down the street, coming to Wendy's and I just saw a plane basically hit the building and it exploded. The sky lit up and I pulled over and basically, it was just real bad around here," said one witness, who described the incident as "earthquakish."

WATCH: Witness describes horrific scene, seeing woman on fire

"We heard an explosion and then saw the aftermath of flames and smoke. Common sense told me that I should not get close to it," added witness Jimmy Wiess, who was in the area looking for a spot to have dinner.

Temple University Hospital told ABC News it had received six patients hurt in the crash, although where and how they were injured was not immediately known.

Three of those patients were treated and released and three remain hospitalized in fair condition, the hospital said.

The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia said none of its patients were onboard the plane and the flight was not affiliated with its hospital.

Officials also told Action News that at least one firefighter was hospitalized for a breathing issue.

Fireball caught on video

A doorbell camera captured footage of the plane plunging in a streak of white and exploding as it hit the ground near the Roosevelt Mall.

"All we heard was a loud roar and didn't know where it was coming from. We just turned around and saw the big plume," said Jim Quinn, the owner of the doorbell camera.

"It was a big ball of fire that went up into the sky and the whole gas station just started shaking. Little debris and stuff was flying so I tried to keep the door shut and not let customers out until the debris was gone," said Mikey, who works at a gas station near the crash site.

"Once I saw the big ball of fire, I came outside and started seeing a bunch of plane pieces. It looked, honestly, like a human foot or something and a shoe still on the side of the street,' he added.

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