PHILADELPHIA — A medical transport jet crashed into a residential area of Philadelphia shortly after taking off on Friday evening, resulting in a massive explosion that affected multiple homes. The aircraft, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was carrying a child patient, another passenger, and four crew members at the time of the incident.
The company released a statement indicating that they were unable to confirm any survivors from the crash. They emphasized their immediate concern for the families of the patient, their personnel, and any bystanders who may have been injured.
During a press conference on Friday night, Mayor Cherelle Parker mentioned that details concerning fatalities were still uncertain. However, she confirmed that several homes and vehicles sustained damage due to the crash. “This is still an active scene under investigation,” she stated.
This incident occurred just two days after a tragic aviation accident in Washington, D.C., where an American Airlines jet crashed into an Army helicopter, resulting in no survivors.
As the crash unfolded, a doorbell camera captured dramatic footage of the plane descending rapidly before exploding when it hit the ground near a busy mall and major roadway. Jim Quinn, the owner of the camera, described the chaos, stating, “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.”
The Learjet 55 had only been airborne for a brief period after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at approximately 6:06 p.m. The aircraft was on its way to Springfield, Missouri, and vanished from radar shortly after gaining an altitude of 1,600 feet. It was registered to a company known as Med Jets.
President Donald Trump expressed his condolences via a post on Truth Social, labeling the event “so sad.” He remarked, “More innocent souls lost,” affirming that “our people are totally engaged” in the response efforts.
In response to the crash, Gov. Josh Shapiro extended all available state resources to assist in addressing the situation. An extensive influx of police and fire vehicles flooded the area as first responders worked to manage the crisis, creating a significant perimeter around the crash site that extended several blocks. As the night wore on, the initial flurry of activity gradually quieted, though curious bystanders continued to gaze toward the scene.
The crash occurred near a busy intersection close to Roosevelt Mall, an outdoor shopping area located in the heavily populated Rhawnhurst neighborhood.
Witnesses captured cellphone footage shortly after the crash, showcasing the chaotic aftermath where debris was dispersed across the intersection. As flames glowed ominously in the background, thick black smoke billowed into the sky accompanied by the wailing of sirens.
Michael Schiavone, a 37-year-old resident of the nearby Mayfair neighborhood, described how he felt a strong shake in his house after a loud bang, initially thinking it was an attack. He later reviewed his home security footage and commented that it appeared as if a missile was descending.
Jet Rescue, the owner of the plane, is known for providing global air ambulance services. This company gained recognition in 2019 when they transported baseball star David Ortiz to Boston after he was shot in the Dominican Republic and has also been involved in transporting critically ill COVID-19 patients.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced that the National Transportation Safety Board will take the lead in investigating the crash, with the NTSB beginning the process of gathering further information regarding the incident.
