A twin-engine medevac jet carrying a child patient and her mother has crashed in a populated neighbourhood in northeast Philadelphia. The aircraft, reportedly an air ambulance, took off from the Northeast Philadelphia Airport when went down, igniting multiple fires. PThe Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, went down shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The plane was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri for a refuelling stop before continuing to Tijuana, Mexico. . Authorities and data from flightradar24 showed the aircraft plunged from 1,650 feet, crashing into a residential area near Roosevelt Mall. The final speed of descent was recorded at 11,000 feet per minute. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed that several houses and vehicles were affected.
“We have no confirmed fatalities at this time, but emergency responders are working tirelessly to account for everyone. So right now we’re just asking for prayers,” she stated. Emergency responders rushed to the scene, where fire crews worked tirelessly to contain the blaze. Philadelphia’s emergency management department urged residents to avoid the area due to what they described as a major incident. Who were in ill-fated plane Jet Rescue Air Ambulance confirmed the presence of a pediatric patient and her mother among the victims but could not verify if there were any survivors. “At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors. No names are being released at this time until family members have been notified. Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our personnel, their families, and any victims on the ground,” the company stated. CNN reported that six people were transported to Temple University Hospital-Jeanes Campus. Three have since been treated and discharged, while the others remain in fair condition.
Shai Gold, a spokesperson for Jet Rescue, expressed deep sorrow over the incident. He said the company had invested heavily in maintaining its aircraft to the highest international standards and that the plane that crashed had been in excellent flying condition. “We are terribly shocked by this tragic turn of events. This was a very seasoned crew. We are a leading air ambulance company, we fly 600 to 700 times a year. We really don’t know what happened,” he said. How did leaders react to crash Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro visited the crash site, emphasizing unity in the face of tragedy.
“We know there will be loss in this region. We want to offer our thoughts and our serious prayers for those that are grieving at this moment,” he said. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the crash, with federal agents already on the ground collecting evidence. President Donald Trump also weighed in on the tragedy, stating that first responders were at the crash site. “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,” Trump said in a Truth Social post.
by Didacus Malowa
