A medical transport plane carrying six people, including a child and her mother, crashed near Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening, leaving a scene of devastation and uncertainty. The crash, which occurred around 6:30 p.m., sparked a massive fire and prompted an extensive response from emergency services.
The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, had just departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri when it went down. The crash site, located near a busy shopping mall and residential area, resulted in significant damage to homes and vehicles.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the number of injuries or fatalities. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, speaking at a press conference Friday evening, urged the public to offer prayers for those involved. “Right now, we’re just asking for prayers,” she said, adding that residents should stay away from the crash scene to allow emergency crews to work safely.
Shriner’s Hospital, which had been caring for the child passenger, confirmed that the young girl and her mother were being transported back to their home country of Mexico in the air ambulance. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance stated that four crew members were also aboard the plane.
“At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors,” the company said. “No names are being released until family members have been notified. Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our personnel, their families, and any victims on the ground.”
Eyewitnesses Describe Explosion and Aftermath
Eyewitnesses described a terrifying scene as the plane crashed and erupted into flames. Resident Jimmy Weiss, who was near the site, recounted the moment he heard the explosion.
“We heard a loud explosion and then saw flames and smoke,” Weiss told WPVI, a local ABC affiliate. “It felt like the ground shook… it was a loud boom. It was startling.”
Fire crews worked quickly to contain the blaze while paramedics transported injured individuals to nearby hospitals. Temple University Hospital later confirmed that it had received six patients related to the crash. Three of those patients were treated and released, while three others remain hospitalized in fair condition.
Immediate Investigation Launched
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have begun investigating the crash. An NTSB investigator arrived at the scene Friday night, with additional team members expected on Saturday.
The FAA initially reported that only two people were aboard the aircraft, but later corrected the information to confirm there were six people on board. Flight data from FlightRadar24 indicated that the aircraft was headed for Missouri before it went down.
In the wake of the crash, the FAA issued a temporary ground stop at Northeast Philadelphia Airport, halting all flights due to the incident.
State and Local Leaders Respond
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro praised the swift response from first responders and residents, emphasizing the importance of community support in times of crisis.
“We saw neighbor helping neighbor. We saw Pennsylvanians looking out for one another,” Shapiro said during a press briefing. He also confirmed that dozens of state troopers and personnel were on-site to assist with the emergency response.
Philadelphia officials, including Mayor Parker, expressed gratitude for the efforts of firefighters, paramedics, and police officers who worked tirelessly to control the situation and provide aid to victims.
President Trump Offers Condolences
Former President Donald Trump addressed the tragedy in a statement on the social media platform Truth Social.
“So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost. Our people are engaged. First Responders are already being given credit for doing a great job. More to follow. God Bless you all,” Trump wrote.
The crash has drawn national attention, with many expressing shock and sadness over the loss of life and destruction near a busy community hub.
Safety Concerns for Air Ambulance Flights
The crash has raised concerns about the safety of medical transport flights, which often operate under high-pressure conditions. Air ambulances play a crucial role in transferring critically ill patients over long distances, but accidents involving these flights have prompted calls for stricter safety protocols in the past.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance stated that it is cooperating fully with investigators and has offered support to the families affected by the crash.
“Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this tragic accident,” the company said. “We are committed to supporting the investigation and providing assistance where needed.”
Next Steps in the Investigation
As investigators work to determine the cause of the crash, they will analyze flight data, maintenance records, and witness statements. The NTSB typically releases preliminary findings within a few weeks, though a full investigation may take several months to complete.
Residents are being urged to report any damage or injuries caused by the crash to authorities. Meanwhile, emergency crews remain on the scene, securing the area and providing support to those impacted.
For many in the Philadelphia community, the crash has been a sobering reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike. Residents have expressed both shock and sympathy for the victims and their families.
“You see things like this on the news, but you never expect it to happen right in your backyard,” said Maria Lopez, a resident who lives near the crash site.
As the investigation continues, the community has come together to offer support and comfort to those affected. While many questions remain, one thing is certain: the crash has left an indelible mark on the neighborhood and those who witnessed it.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates on the investigation and the status of the victims in the coming days.
