Authorities continued to examine the wreckage of burned vehicles and scorched debris on Saturday, seeking answers for the tragic explosion of an air ambulance that crashed in Philadelphia, resulting in no survivors aboard.
The small aircraft, which was carrying six individuals—including a child recently treated at a hospital—went down shortly after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, crashing onto a busy intersection.
Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the crash. Adam Thiel, the city’s managing director, mentioned that it may take days or longer to ascertain the exact number of casualties and injuries. As of Saturday morning, officials reported seven fatalities: six from the aircraft and one individual on the ground, along with 19 others injured.
Hospital representatives from Temple University Hospital-Jeanes and Jefferson Health indicated that by midday Saturday, most of the injured had been treated and released, although at least three patients were admitted for further care.
Thiel noted the crash site’s extensive area, highlighting ongoing assessments of the damage. Teams are systematically inspecting homes in the vicinity near Roosevelt Mall, an area bustling with people. He stated that there could potentially be adjustments to the casualty counts, given the uncertainty about who was present in the neighborhood during the incident.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum verified that the six passengers aboard the medical air transport did not survive. All the deceased were Mexican nationals. In a statement shared on the social media platform X, Sheinbaum expressed her condolences regarding the accident in Philadelphia, affirming that consular authorities are in touch with the victims’ families, and she has tasked the Foreign Affairs Secretary with providing necessary support.
In addition, there were injuries reported from the crash site. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed that one person in a vehicle was killed, and 19 others were injured. The aircraft was transporting a child who had received care at Shriners Children’s Hospital, along with her mother and four crew members. Shriners spokesperson Mel Bower confirmed that they cannot release further details about the patient and her family due to privacy regulations.
The intended destination for the flight was Tijuana, after making a stop in Missouri. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, based in Mexico, operates this Learjet 55, which is registered in that country. Jet Rescue’s spokesperson Shai Gold indicated that the crew was experienced and all operators undergo rigorous training.
“It’s shocking and surprising when something like this occurs,” Gold stated. “We invest heavily in our aircraft maintenance because we understand the critical nature of our operations.”
This unfortunate event followed a serious air disaster just two days prior—recorded as one of the deadliest U.S. aviation accidents in recent history—when an American Airlines flight collided midair with an Army helicopter in Washington, D.C. Both aircraft had no survivors.
This incident marks the second fatal event for Jet Rescue within the last 15 months. In 2023, five crew members lost their lives in a runway overrun incident in Morelos, Mexico.
Footage from a doorbell camera captured the moment the plane fell, leaving a trail of white smoke and igniting as it hit the ground near a shopping area and major roadway. Jim Quinn, the camera owner, recounted hearing a loud roar and witnessing a substantial plume following the explosion.
The aircraft crashed less than three miles away from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, which primarily serves charter flights and business jets. The Learjet 55 lost radar tracking shortly after its 6:06 p.m. departure, climbing to around 1,600 feet before vanishing. It was associated with a Med Jets operation, as reported by a flight tracking website.
Audio recorded from air traffic control revealed that the aircraft was asked to turn right shortly after takeoff, and the controller voiced concerns about a potential lost aircraft minutes later.
Michael Schiavone, 37, who was at his home in the nearby Mayfair neighborhood, described the loud bang and shaking of his house, initially fearing an attack due to the explosion’s intensity.
Jet Rescue has provided air ambulance services globally, previously involved in transporting critically ill patients and even transporting baseball Hall of Famer David Ortiz after he was shot in the Dominican Republic in 2019.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will take charge of the investigation. An NTSB investigator had already arrived on the scene by Friday, with more officials anticipated to join on Saturday.
