An air ambulance transporting six people, including a child who had traveled to the United States for “life-saving treatment,” crashed near Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening, according to Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.
In a statement, the company confirmed that the Learjet 55 had departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport shortly before 6:30 p.m. local time, bound for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. From there, the flight was expected to continue on to Tijuana International Airport in Mexico, where the young patient would have traveled home via ground ambulance.
Those On Board
Pilot
Copilot
Physician
Paramedic
Pediatric patient
Patient’s escort
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance said it could not confirm any survivors among the six individuals, and a company spokesperson indicated it was “unlikely” anyone survived the impact. “Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our personnel, their families, and any other victims who may have been injured on the ground,” the company said.
Child’s Journey for Life-Saving Treatment
Spokesperson Shai Gold told NBC Philadelphia that the pediatric patient had been in the U.S. for critical medical care sponsored by an international charity. With the course of treatment completed, the flight was arranged to bring the child home to Mexico.
Impact on the Ground
At an evening news conference, Mayor Cherelle Parker stated that the total number of fatalities had not yet been confirmed. She also noted that “several dwellings and vehicles were impacted” by the crash. Video from the scene showed plumes of smoke and flames in a residential area near the outdoor shopping center, roughly three miles from the airport.
Weather and Crash Details
The National Weather Service reported temperatures around 49 degrees with light rain, fog, and wind gusts near 30 mph in Philadelphia at the time of the crash. Experts say the Learjet 55 is generally considered a “high-performance” and “very reliable” aircraft; however, Rev. Todd Sheridan Yeary, a former FAA air traffic controller, suggested that a “catastrophic” event may have occurred shortly after takeoff.
Federal Investigation Underway
Both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. The NTSB will lead the inquiry and provide updates as new information is confirmed. Investigators have begun searching for flight data recorders and other evidence that could shed light on any mechanical or weather-related factors contributing to the accident.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro posted on X (formerly Twitter), saying he is closely monitoring the situation and is prepared to offer “all Commonwealth resources” as needed. Local fire and law enforcement agencies continue to secure the crash site and assist affected residents.
Recent Aviation Incidents Prompt Safety Concerns
This tragic event comes amid heightened awareness of aviation safety following several recent crashes and near-misses across the country. Just days ago, the United States experienced its deadliest aviation incident in years when 67 people were killed in a midair collision involving a passenger plane and a Black Hawk military helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C. Federal authorities have been urging operators to review safety protocols and ensure flight crews receive updated training for challenging weather and takeoff conditions.
Community Response and Next Steps
Local officials and charitable organizations have voiced their condolences to the patient’s family and the families of the crew members. Additional support is being offered to residents whose homes or vehicles were damaged in the crash. Investigators anticipate a thorough examination of the wreckage will continue over the coming days and weeks, with a preliminary report expected from the NTSB in the near future.