A devastating plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia has claimed the lives of six people, including a child patient and their escort, as confirmed by local authorities. The medical transport jet, operated by Jet Rescue, crashed in a fiery explosion just moments after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, igniting multiple homes and leaving at least 19 people injured on the ground.
FLIGHT ENDS IN DISASTER SECONDS AFTER TAKEOFF
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the Learjet 55 took off at 6:06 p.m. local time, climbing to 1,600 feet (487 meters) before disappearing from radar just 30 seconds later. The aircraft was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri when it tragically plunged into a busy residential neighborhood near Roosevelt Mall, causing extensive damage and chaos.
Eyewitness accounts describe a massive explosion, with thick plumes of smoke rising into the sky. Emergency crews and first responders rushed to the scene, battling fires and evacuating residents from affected homes. Authorities continue to search for the cockpit voice recorder, which may provide crucial insight into the moments before impact.
ALL SIX ABOARD KILLED, INCLUDING CHILD PATIENT
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed that all six passengers on board perished, including four crew members, the pediatric patient, and their mother. The aircraft was reportedly transporting the child from Shriners Children’s Hospital for medical care.
Governor Josh Shapiro has pledged full state resources to aid in the investigation and relief efforts, emphasizing the tragic loss for families and the wider community. Meanwhile, State Rep. Jared Solomon praised the heroic efforts of firefighters and police officers who risked their lives to manage the disaster.
ONGOING INVESTIGATION: WHAT CAUSED THE CRASH?
The FAA and NTSB have launched a full-scale investigation into the cause of the crash. Officials are urging residents to avoid the impact zone, which remains an active investigation site.
This horrific incident follows just two days after another aviation disaster in Washington, D.C., where a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair with an American Airlines jet, resulting in no survivors. With two catastrophic crashes in such a short period, aviation safety concerns are once again at the forefront of public attention.
Additionally, the recent Santa Barbara plane crash further highlights ongoing concerns regarding aircraft safety and the need for enhanced regulations in the aviation industry.
JET RESCUE’S HISTORY IN HIGH-PROFILE MEDICAL EVACUATIONS
Jet Rescue, the aircraft’s operator, is a Mexico-based global air ambulance service. The company has been involved in high-profile medical evacuations, including the 2019 transport of baseball Hall of Famer David Ortiz to Boston after he was shot in the Dominican Republic and critical COVID-19 patient transfers during the pandemic.
As the investigation continues, Philadelphia stands in mourning, honoring the victims and the first responders who rushed into the flames to protect their city.