A heartbreaking tragedy struck Philadelphia on Friday night when a medical transport plane carrying a young child, her mother, and four crew members crashed into a neighborhood, leaving seven people dead and at least 19 injured.
The crash happened near Cottman Avenue and Bustleton Avenue, close to the Roosevelt Mall, just after 6 p.m. The impact caused a massive explosion, setting nearby homes and cars on fire. Debris was scattered across several blocks, and emergency crews rushed to the scene to control the chaos.
On Saturday, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed that all six people aboard the medical flight were killed. Additionally, a person who was in a vehicle near the crash site also lost their life. “This is a devastating tragedy for our city,” Parker said. “Our prayers go out to the families, friends, and everyone affected by this horrific accident.”
What Happened in the Air?
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the plane had climbed to about 1,500 feet after taking off but then made a slight right turn followed by a left turn. Moments later, it went into a steep descent and crashed with a powerful impact.
The plane, a Learjet 55, had departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at 6:06 p.m., disappearing from radar just minutes later after reaching 1,600 feet. The aircraft was registered in Mexico and operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, which provides emergency medical flights in both Mexico and the United States.
The flight was transporting a child who had been treated for a serious medical condition at Shriner’s Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. The child, along with her mother, was being flown back home to Mexico. The flight was scheduled to make a stop in Missouri before reaching its final destination in Tijuana.
The Aftermath: What We Know So Far
The crash site was left in ruins, with wreckage spread over a four-to-six-block area. While emergency teams have found both engines of the aircraft, they are still searching for the cockpit voice recorder, which could provide crucial clues about what went wrong. The recorder is usually bright orange, but officials warned it might be damaged or fragmented.
Authorities have not yet confirmed the total extent of the damage, including how many homes, cars, or businesses were affected. It’s also unclear how many people have been displaced or forced to evacuate due to the crash.
What Could Have Caused the Crash?
Investigators are still working to determine the cause of the crash. So far, there were no reports of distress calls or signs of trouble before takeoff. Officials also stated that weather conditions at the time were not severe enough to have caused icing issues. However, the pilots may have faced low cloud coverage and rain, which could have affected visibility.
Witnesses Describe the Horror
Many people in the neighborhood described the terrifying moments as the plane went down. Michael Schiavone, a resident of Mayfair, said he heard a loud bang and felt his house shake. “It felt like a mini earthquake,” he said. When he checked his home security camera, he saw what looked like a missile falling from the sky.
A doorbell camera in the area captured the plane crashing in a white streak before bursting into flames. Other witnesses reported debris flying through the air, with one diner patron inside a restaurant even being hit by wreckage that crashed through a window.
Leaders React to the Tragedy
President Donald Trump expressed his sorrow over the crash, calling it “so sad” and praising first responders for their quick action. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro visited the crash site and spoke alongside Mayor Parker, emphasizing the community’s unity in the face of disaster. “As awful as this tragedy is, we also saw the best of Philadelphia—neighbors helping each other, people looking out for one another,” Shapiro said.
Authorities have urged residents not to touch any debris they may find, instead asking them to report it to emergency services. Anyone with information or who discovers wreckage is encouraged to email the NTSB at [email protected].
Need Help?
For those impacted by the disaster, the Red Cross is offering emotional support and assistance through its 24/7 Disaster Distress Helpline at 1-800-985-5990. The organization also provided coping tips for those struggling with the emotional toll of the event, encouraging people to stay connected with loved ones, limit exposure to distressing news, and take care of their well-being.
As Philadelphia continues to recover from this devastating accident, investigators are working tirelessly to uncover the cause of the crash and bring answers to the grieving families.