PHILADELPHIA — A medical transport plane, carrying a child patient, her mother, and four crew members, tragically crashed into a neighborhood in Philadelphia shortly after departing on Friday evening. The incident resulted in a fiery explosion that impacted several nearby homes.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the operator of the Learjet 55, stated that they were unable to confirm any survivors from the crash. Additionally, there was no immediate information available regarding potential casualties among people on the ground.
All six individuals on the aircraft were identified as being from Mexico. The young patient had recently received treatment in Philadelphia for a serious medical condition, and the flight was intended to take her back home to Tijuana, with a planned interim stop in Missouri, according to Jet Rescue spokesperson Shai Gold.
The aircraft carried the child along with her mother and four professional crew members. Gold emphasized that the crew was experienced and that all personnel undergo extensive training prior to these vital flights. “It’s shocking and surprising when an incident like this occurs,” Gold remarked, adding, “The aircraft are comprehensively maintained, as we understand how crucial our mission is.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed reporters late Friday, expressing deep concern over the situation and anticipating fatalities from this “awful aviation disaster.” “We know that there will be loss,” he stated.
The aircraft was registered in Mexico, and Jet Rescue has operations based in both Mexico and the United States. The crash occurred just two days following a devastating air disaster in the U.S. that claimed the lives of all on board an American Airlines flight that collided midair with a military helicopter in Washington, D.C.
This Philadelphia incident marks the second deadly crash for Jet Rescue within a span of 15 months. Earlier in 2023, five crew members lost their lives when their aircraft overran a runway in Morelos, Mexico, crashing into a hillside.
Witnesses captured the moment of the crash on doorbell cameras, showing the plane descending rapidly and erupting in flames as it struck the ground close to a shopping center and a busy road. Jim Quinn, who had a camera recording the event, described a loud roar followed by a significant explosion, and he recalled seeing a large plume of smoke.
The crash took place less than 3 miles from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, which specializes in business jet operations. The Learjet disappeared from radar shortly after taking off at 6:06 p.m., having climbed to 1,600 feet. The aircraft was registered to a company known as Med Jets, as reported by flight tracking services.
In a social media post, former President Donald Trump expressed his sorrow regarding the crash, acknowledging the loss of innocent lives and stating that the country was fully engaged in the situation.
A rapid response of police and fire departments was observed at the crash scene, effectively taking over nearby business parking lots. As night fell, the area gradually became quieter while curious drivers passed by, trying to discover the unfolding situation.
The crash occurred near Roosevelt Mall, an outdoor retail location located within the densely populated Rhawnhurst neighborhood. A witness recorded chaotic scenes right after the event, showing debris strewn across the intersection and a large fire with smoke rising ominously into the sky.
One nearby resident, Michael Schiavone, recounted the experience of hearing a loud boom that shook his home, comparing it to a small earthquake. Initially thinking there was an attack, he described the moment of landing as looking like a missile crashing down.
Jet Rescue has previously been engaged in notable air ambulance operations, such as transporting former baseball player David Ortiz after he sustained gunshot wounds in the Dominican Republic and assisting critically ill patients during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The investigation into the crash has been assigned to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), with an investigator already present and more officials expected to arrive shortly.
