Terrified diners at the Four Seasons Diner in Philadelphia experienced a harrowing ordeal when debris from a deadly plane crash smashed through the restaurant’s windows, injuring several patrons. The incident occurred on Cottman Avenue, where a Learjet 55, involved in a mid-air collision, sent metal fragments flying into the bustling diner.
A video circulating online captures the horrifying moment patrons ducked for cover as shards of metal burst through the glass. An elderly man was struck by debris, and another customer, seated in a booth, suffered a head injury. He was rushed to the hospital via ambulance. “We’re all pretty shaken, but everyone is OK,” said diner manager Ayhan Tiryaki. “The customer was hit in the head, and we hope he’ll be OK.”
Deadly Mid-Air Collision Over the Potomac
The tragic incident stemmed from a mid-air collision between a military helicopter and a civilian passenger jet over the Potomac River. The UH-60 Black Hawk, part of the 12th Aviation Battalion responsible for emergency evacuation missions of top U.S. officials, collided with an American Airlines jet attempting to land.
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Lucky Philadelphia man narrowly escapes death as plane crash debris, heading straight for his head, flips his cap and injures him. #philadelphiacrash #PhiladelphiaPlaneCrash #Philadelphia pic.twitter.com/IDVGnsQLLt
— ℂ𝕙𝕖 𝔾𝕦𝕖𝕧𝕒𝕣𝕒 ★ (@cheguwera) February 2, 2025
The catastrophic crash resulted in the deaths of all 60 passengers and four crew members on the passenger jet. Rescue teams recovered 55 victims from the icy waters, with efforts ongoing to retrieve the remaining individuals.
Ongoing Investigation Raises Critical Questions
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized the importance of a thorough investigation, urging federal aviation officials to scrutinize all aspects of the incident. “What was happening inside the towers? Were they understaffed? The position and elevation of the Black Hawk—were the pilots using night vision goggles?” Duffy questioned during an interview with CNN.
Mourners gathered along the riverbanks, paying tribute to the lives lost in the tragic event. The investigation continues as authorities seek answers to prevent such disasters in the future.