A medevac plane tragically crashed soon after takeoff in Philadelphia on Friday, carrying a total of six individuals, including a child, her mother, and four crew members, according to Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the company operating the flight. The accident has left authorities and investigators scrambling to determine the cause of the devastating incident.
The aircraft, a Learjet 55, departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.
Shortly after takeoff at 6:30 p.m. (0030 GMT), the plane encountered unknown difficulties and plummeted into a densely populated area of northeast Philadelphia, igniting a massive fireball upon impact.
Passengers and Crew on Board
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance confirmed that the aircraft was transporting:
- Four crew members
- One pediatric medical patient (a young girl)
- The child's mother
At this time, authorities have not confirmed any survivors from the crash. However, officials have yet to determine the number of potential fatalities or injuries on the ground, given the dense urban area where the plane went down.
According to video footage captured by witnesses, the aircraft appeared to be in a sharp dive before striking the ground, leading to an immediate explosion that engulfed several houses and vehicles in flames.
Emergency responders were immediately deployed to the scene, with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirming that the situation required an "all hands on deck" response. Firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the inferno, and within two hours, most of the flames had been extinguished.
Mexican Nationals Among the Victims
The Mexican government has confirmed that all individuals aboard the aircraft were Mexican nationals. CNN reported that the young girl and her mother were traveling back home with Tijuana as their final destination.
Shai Gold, a corporate strategy representative for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy:
"We are terribly shocked by this tragic turn of events. This was a very seasoned crew. We are a leading air ambulance company, we fly 600 to 700 times a year."
He also emphasized that the company adheres to strict international safety protocols and that the aircraft was in excellent flying condition at the time of departure.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a full-scale investigation into the accident. While no official cause has been identified, several critical factors are under scrutiny:
- Weather Conditions: The cold, rainy conditions and poor visibility at the time of departure may have played a role.
- Mechanical Failure: Despite assurances of the aircraft's condition, experts will analyze maintenance records and black box data.
- Pilot Error: The experience and decision-making of the flight crew will be evaluated.
Response from Officials and National Leaders
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the press from the crash scene, acknowledging the inevitable loss of life and offering condolences to the grieving families:
"We know there will be loss in this region. We want to offer our thoughts and serious prayers for those who are suffering."
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump shared his reaction on social media:
"So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged. First Responders are already being given credit for doing a great job."
A Devastating Week for Aviation
This incident comes in the wake of another catastrophic aviation accident earlier in the week, where an American Airlines jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., resulting in 67 fatalities. That crash was the deadliest airplane accident in the U.S. since 2009.
The Philadelphia crash now adds to growing concerns over aviation safety, especially regarding air ambulances, which operate under tight schedules and often in challenging conditions.
