Terrifying video shows man at diner being hit by Philadelphia plane crash debris

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: A harrowing video has emerged showing the moment an individual sitting in a restaurant more than a quarter of a mile from the site of a fatal plane crash in Philadelphia was struck by debris.

The crash occurred on Friday, January 31, evening when a medical transport jet, the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance Learjet 55, plummeted to the ground seconds after takeoff, killing all six people onboard.

Debris from doomed plane tore through a nearby diner

The aircraft, which was heading for Tijuana, Mexico, had just departed from Philadelphia International Airport at around 6 pm local time, The Mirror reported.

The passengers aboard the flight included a little girl who had just received medical treatment at Shriners Children's Hospital, her mother, and four crew members. The crash also killed a car driver, while at least 19 others were injured as the plane wreckage scattered across the city, setting homes on fire.

CCTV footage from the Four Seasons Diner, located about a quarter of a mile from the main crash site, captured a terrifying moment as debris from the jet flew into the restaurant.

Diners can be seen ducking for cover as glass and metal fragments explode toward them. In the video, several people are seen crawling on the floor to safety, while others shield themselves from the flying wreckage.

One man sitting at the rear of the shot was struck in the head by a piece of debris, which knocked off his baseball cap. The man can be seen clutching his head in the clip before slumping to the bench.

A staff member at the diner spoke to ABC 6 News about the incident, explaining that although the customer was injured, he was not seriously harmed.

“He was OK, but he was bleeding, a lot of blood on his head,” the staff member said. “We all pretty shaken but everyone is OK.”

Ayhan Tiryaki, the manager of the Four Seasons Diner, told The New York Post, “The one customer was hit in the head with a piece of metal and he was taken to the hospital in an ambulance. We don’t know exactly how he is but we hope he’ll be OK.”

He added, “No one else in the diner had been hurt.”

Devastating crash rocks Philadelphia, community in shock as investigation continues

The crash, which caused widespread devastation, has left the city of Philadelphia in shock. The wreckage, including oxygen canisters from the flight, was found scattered hundreds of meters from the main crash site.

News crews captured footage of debris and wreckage across the area, some of which landed far from the initial impact point.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed on Saturday, February 1, that all six of the individuals onboard the plane were Mexican nationals. Their identities were not immediately released.

The crash has also drawn attention to the risks associated with medical transport flights.

The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, but authorities have emphasized the scale of the tragedy, which left an entire community reeling.

As for the diner patrons, despite the terrifying ordeal, many are relieved that no one suffered life-threatening injuries. However, the psychological toll of the crash will undoubtedly linger for those who witnessed the harrowing scene unfold.

Viral CCTV footage of diner patron being hit by plane debris leaves Internet aghast

The viral CCTV footage of a man being struck by debris from a plane crash while dining at a restaurant has left viewers on YouTube shocked.

A user said, "Imagine that - enjoying a nice meal at a diner and then debris from a damn plane crash hits you in the face - I would say the odds of that are about 1 in 18-20 million."

Another added, "Yo ... That diner is far from that crash.... Thats insane."

One individual remarked, "It's completely nuts that you go choose to eat at a diner just to have a piece of metal go flying through a window and bonk you in the head. And that piece of metal came from an airplane."

The reactions varied, with many people commenting on the incredible odds of such a freak accident occurring. Despite the trauma, many viewers were relieved to learn that the man’s injuries were not life-threatening.

"That ball cap might have saved his life, and mama said don't wear hats to the dinner table," said a viewer.

A person suggested, "That dude was lucky he was wearing a hat!"

Another chimed in, "This is devastating. I'm so sorry for all of the victims in this tragedy."

A user wrote on X, "He had a guardian angel with him during that moment. God has plans for that man."

"WOW. Millimeters!" exclaimed another.

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.