A medical transport jet carrying a child who had just completed treatment for a life-threatening condition, her mother, and four others crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood shortly after takeoff Friday evening. This unfortunate crash resulted in a fireball that engulfed several homes and claimed the lives of all six people on board.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance Confirms Fatalities: “No Survivors”
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the operator of the Learjet 55 involved in the crash, issued a statement confirming the tragic loss of all six individuals on board.
Consequently, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is launching a full investigation into the cause of the Philadelphia Medevac plane crash. Investigators are on the scene and will be working to determine the factors that contributed to this tragic accident.
The Philadelphia Crash Victims
The victims of the crash have been identified as a child returning home to Tijuana, Mexico, after completing treatment for a life-threatening condition in Missouri, her mother, and four crew members. The child’s journey home unfortunately ended in heartbreaking tragedy.
A Jet Rescue spokesperson, Shai Gold emphasized that the flight crew was experienced and had undergone rigorous training. Gold also stressed the company’s commitment to aircraft maintenance, stating that “not a penny is spared” to ensure the safety of their flights.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the media, expressing his condolences and describing the crash as an “awful aviation disaster.” He acknowledged the tragic loss of life and offered support to the affected community.
Community Impact: Homes Damaged, Residents Shaken by Philadelphia Plane Crash
The plane crash occurred in the densely populated Rhawnhurst neighborhood of Philadelphia, near Roosevelt Mall and from eyewitness accounts, the impact of the crash was felt throughout the community. Homes had also been damaged and residents shaken by the sudden and violent event.
Learjet 55 Flight Details
The Learjet 55, registered to a company operating as Med Jets, took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at 6:06 p.m. and quickly disappeared from radar. The plane was en route to Tijuana, Mexico, with a stop in Missouri.
Audio recordings from LiveATC captured the air traffic controller’s attempts to contact the flight before it disappeared from radar. The controller has announced it a “lost aircraft” and thereafter closed the airport.
This is the second fatal incident for Jet Rescue in 15 months. In 2023, five crew members were killed when their plane crashed in Mexico. This raises concerns about the company’s safety record.
