Tragic Medical Plane Crash in Northeast Philadelphia Claims Six Lives

Incident Overview

On the evening of January 31, 2025, a medical transport aircraft, a Learjet 55, crashed shortly after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The flight was en route to Tijuana, Mexico, with a planned stop at Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. Tragically, all six individuals on board perished in the accident (NBC Philadelphia).

Details of the Flight and Crash

The aircraft took off at approximately 6:06 p.m. EST. Within 30 seconds, it disappeared from radar and crashed near the intersection of Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia. The impact resulted in a massive explosion, igniting multiple homes and vehicles in the vicinity (6ABC).

Victims

Among the deceased were a young girl who had recently received life-saving treatment in the United States and was returning home to Mexico, her mother, a doctor, a paramedic, and the flight crew. The child had been a patient at Shriners Children's Philadelphia (New York Post).

Response and Investigation

Emergency services responded swiftly to the scene, battling fires and attending to injuries. Six individuals on the ground were hospitalized with varying degrees of burn injuries; three were treated and released the same day. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated an investigation into the cause of the crash (BBC News).

Company Background

The flight was operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, a Mexican medical transport company. This incident marks the second fatal accident involving Jet Rescue, following a 2023 crash in Mexico that resulted in five fatalities (NBC Philadelphia).

Community Impact

The crash caused significant damage to residential properties and vehicles, leading to a substantial emergency response. Local authorities have urged residents to avoid the area while investigations and clean-up efforts are underway (6ABC).

Official Statements

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro have expressed their condolences to the victims' families and are coordinating with federal agencies to support the investigation. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum also extended sympathies and has directed the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to assist the families of the deceased (BBC News).

Ongoing Investigation

The NTSB has dispatched investigators to the crash site to determine the cause of the accident. Preliminary findings are expected in the coming weeks (New York Post).

This tragic event has deeply affected both the Philadelphia community and the families of the victims. As investigations continue, authorities are focused on uncovering the factors that led to this devastating crash.

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