A medical transport jet crashed into a northeast Philadelphia neighborhood on Friday evening, just moments after takeoff, killing all six people onboard. The crash caused a fireball and resulted in several homes being set ablaze.
According to the statement issued by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the operator of the Learjet 55, the crash occurred shortly after 6:00 pm ET, approximately 30 seconds after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The aircraft, which was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, was carrying a pediatric patient, her mother, and four others, including a pilot, co-pilot, doctor, and paramedic.
The patient, a young girl who had been receiving life-saving treatment in the United States, was being flown back to her home country, Mexico. She was sponsored by a third-party charity for medical treatment in the U.S. Tragically, the aircraft crashed before she could return home, and it is unclear whether there were any survivors.
The crash site was chaotic, with emergency responders quickly on the scene to control the fires and search for survivors. Witnesses reported a loud bang and a large explosion followed by black smoke rising from the crash site. The crash occurred near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, a heavily populated area, and local authorities closed surrounding roads as they dealt with the aftermath.
A spokesperson for Jet Rescue, Shai Gold, said that the company’s immediate concern was for the families of the victims, their personnel, and the people on the ground. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated investigations into the cause of the crash. The FAA confirmed that the aircraft had climbed to an altitude of approximately 1,600 feet before it disappeared from radar.
This incident follows a series of tragedies involving the company, as it marks their second fatal crash in 15 months. In 2023, five crew members died when their plane overran a runway in Morelos, Mexico, and crashed into a hillside.
The authorities have yet to confirm how many additional casualties occurred on the ground, but injuries have been reported. Governor Josh Shapiro expressed his condolences, acknowledging the loss and extending thoughts and prayers to those affected by the tragedy. Local officials and emergency responders continue to work to assess the full impact of the crash on the community.
This crash serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks involved in aviation, particularly in emergency medical flights. It also highlights the need for enhanced safety measures to prevent similar accidents from occurring in the future.
For more information on aviation safety and emergency air services, visit the FAA website and Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.
