Philadelphia crash kills 6 and injures others on the ground

Philadelphia air ambulance crash kills 6 and injures others on the ground! Philadelphia officials have confirmed that all six people on board an air ambulance that crashed shortly after takeoff have died. The tragic incident occurred on Friday evening, January 31, 2025, in Northeast Philadelphia, sending shockwaves through the community.

7 people on medical transport jet killed: Officials

Mayor Confirms Fatalities

In an official statement, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed her condolences and described the horrific nature of the crash.

“A devastating plane crash occurred in Northeast Philadelphia near Roosevelt Mall at Cottman and Bustleton Avenues at approximately 6:10 p.m. A private Learjet 55 – a medical transportation jet – departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport with two passengers, a mother and daughter, and four crew members were killed in the tragic crash,” Parker stated.

Footage of the incident showed the aircraft engulfed in flames, exploding into a fireball upon impact with the ground. Given the severity of the crash, officials had little hope of survivors.

Philadelphia air ambulance crash

Victims Identified

The aircraft was operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance and was transporting a young child and her mother back home to Mexico after the child had received treatment for a life-threatening condition.

According to Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, all six people on board, including the two passengers and four crew members, were Mexican nationals.

A spokesperson for the company stated:

“When an incident like this happens, it’s shocking and surprising. All of the aircraft are maintained, not a penny is spared because we know our mission is so critical.”

Crash Occurred Just Seconds After Takeoff

Authorities reported that the plane crashed approximately 30 seconds after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.

The aircraft came down on a city street, damaging vehicles and nearby buildings, while the resulting explosion sent flames and debris across the area.

Mayor Parker confirmed injuries among people on the ground, stating:

“Many people on the ground – in parking lots, on streets, in cars and homes in the area – were injured.”

The exact number of injured individuals remains uncertain, but at least six people were taken to the hospital, with three later released after treatment. Officials have yet to disclose the full extent of casualties.

Planned Flight Path and Unanswered Questions

The air ambulance was scheduled to first stop in Missouri before heading to Tijuana, Mexico, where the mother and child were to be reunited with their family.

However, tragedy struck within moments of departure, leaving investigators searching for answers.

According to reports from CNN, air traffic control immediately lost communication with the jet after takeoff.

Another pilot in the area reportedly asked air traffic control about the situation, to which they responded:

“We’re not exactly sure what happened, so we’re trying to figure it out for now.”

Investigation Underway

Officials, including the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash.

Authorities will examine:

Possible mechanical failures
The flight crew’s actions
Weather conditions at the time
The aircraft’s maintenance history

With six confirmed deaths and several injured, the crash has left families grieving and the city in shock.

A Devastating Loss

The tragic loss of a mother, her sick child, and the dedicated crew members has deeply saddened both Mexico and the U.S.

As investigators work to uncover the cause of the crash, families of the victims and the Philadelphia community are left mourning a devastating tragedy that unfolded in mere seconds.

URL Copied