A tragic plane crash in a residential and shopping district of Northeast Philadelphia claimed the lives of six people Friday evening, including a child who had just completed treatment for a life-threatening condition. The small medical jet, a Learjet 55 operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, went down shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, causing a fiery explosion that ignited multiple homes. Another person in a vehicle was also killed, bringing the total death toll to seven.
Authorities confirmed that all six people aboard the jet were Mexican nationals. The child was being transported home after receiving treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences Saturday morning, stating on social media that consular officials are in contact with the victims' families and offering support.
Nineteen people were injured in the crash, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed. Emergency crews worked through the night to contain the fires and assist affected residents. Shelters have been established for those displaced by the incident.
“This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” Parker said in a press conference. “We ask the public to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts.”
Flight data showed the jet took off at 6:06 p.m. and climbed to 1,650 feet before disappearing from radar roughly 30 seconds later. The aircraft was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, with its final destination set for Tijuana, Mexico. The cause of the crash remains unknown.
Eyewitnesses described the explosion as overwhelming, with one resident likening it to a bomb blast. Shoppers at a nearby mall reported feeling what seemed like an earthquake.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with assistance from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro pledged state resources, including emergency management teams and state troopers, to aid local responders.
“We know that there will be loss in this region, and we want to offer our thoughts and serious prayers for those who are grieving at this moment,” Shapiro said Friday night. He also praised the community’s unified response in helping those affected.
National leaders have reacted to the tragedy. Former President Donald Trump posted on Truth Social, “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. More to follow. God Bless you all.”
Vice President JD Vance called it a “very sad situation” in a post on X, offering prayers for the victims and their families. Pennsylvania Senator John Fetterman and Senator Dave McCormick both said they are monitoring the situation closely and are in contact with local officials.
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