Philadelphia plane crash: A medical transport jet, carrying a child patient, her mother, and four other people, crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood shortly after taking off on Friday evening. The crash resulted in a massive fireball that engulfed several homes in the area.
The crash occurred less than three miles (4.8 kilometers) from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, which mainly caters to business jets and charter flights. Images from the scene suggest that residential homes have caught fire.
Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Josh Shaprio said that he talked with the Philadelphia Mayor about the incident and is closely assessing the situation. Governor Shapiro said that he is providing all available Commonwealth resources to assist in the response to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia.
"I've spoken with @PhillyMayor and my team is in communication with @PhillyPD @PhilaOEM and @PhillyFireDept We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly," Josh Shaprio wrote on X.
Six people were on board
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reported that a Learjet 55, which had departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport with six people on board, was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri when it crashed around 6:30 p.m.
The plane crashed in a busy intersection near Roosevelt Mall, an outdoor shopping center where first responders were blocking traffic and onlookers crowded onto a street corner in the residential neighborhood of Rhawnhurst. Philadelphia’s emergency management office said that roads are closed in the area.
All six people aboard were from Mexico. The child had been treated in Philadelphia for a life-threatening condition and was being transported home to Mexico, according to Shai Gold, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance spokesperson. The flight's final destination was Tijuana after a stop in Missouri.
The patient and her mother were on board along with four crew members. Gold said this was a seasoned crew and that everyone involved in these flights goes through rigorous training. "When an incident like this happens, it's shocking and surprising," Gold told the AP. "All of the aircraft are maintained, not a penny is spared because we know our mission is so critical."
More innocent souls lost: Trump
US President Donald Trump said he was "so sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia". "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," he said on Truth Social.
NTSB to investigate crash
The aircraft appeared to be a medical transport jet operated by a company under the name Med Jets. Shortly after takeoff, it disappeared from radar. Flight data showed a small jet taking off from the airport at 6:06 p.m. and disappearing from radar about 30 seconds later after climbing to an altitude of 1,600 feet (487 meters).
The FAA said that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash. The NTSB confirmed that it is currently gathering information regarding the incident.
One cellphone video taken by a witness moments after the plane crashed showed a chaotic scene with debris scattered across the intersection. A wall of orange glowed just beyond the intersection as a plume of black smoke quickly rose into the sky, while some witnesses could be heard crying and sirens blared.
(With AP inputs)
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