Medical Jet Crashes in Philadelphia, Killing All Onboard \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A medical transport jet carrying a child patient, her mother, and four crew members crashed in Philadelphia shortly after takeoff, erupting in a massive fireball that engulfed nearby homes. The Mexico-bound Learjet 55 vanished from radar moments after departure, reaching 1,600 feet before plummeting near Roosevelt Mall. Authorities expect no survivors, while federal investigators probe the cause of the disaster.
Philadelphia Medical Jet Crash: Quick Look
- Medical Jet Crashes in Philadelphia: A Learjet 55 air ambulance carrying a child patient, her mother, and four crew members crashed shortly after takeoff, exploding in a fireball that engulfed homes.
- No Survivors Expected: Officials confirm all six people aboard were from Mexico and expect no survivors from the crash.
- Flight Disappeared from Radar: The jet took off at 6:06 p.m., reached 1,600 feet, and then plummeted near Roosevelt Mall in the Rhawnhurst neighborhood.
- Eyewitnesses Describe Horror: Security cameras captured the moment of impact, showing a white streak in the sky followed by an explosion. Residents reported feeling their homes shake.
- Trump Reacts to Crash: President Donald Trump called the crash “so sad” and said federal agencies were fully engaged in the response.
- FAA & NTSB Investigating: Investigators are analyzing flight data and maintenance records to determine if mechanical failure, pilot error, or weather conditions played a role.
- What’s Next? The NTSB will release a preliminary report in the coming days, while authorities continue recovery efforts and search for wreckage clues.
Deep Look
Tragic Air Ambulance Crash Near Northeast Philadelphia Airport
A Learjet 55 air ambulance carrying a child patient, her mother, and four crew members crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood shortly after taking off Friday evening, igniting a massive explosion that set homes ablaze and sent debris flying across a busy intersection.
The Mexico-bound medical flight had just departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport when it vanished from radar. Authorities confirmed that all six people aboard were Mexican nationals, and officials expect no survivors.
Flight Details: A Routine Medical Transport Ends in Disaster
The Jet Rescue Air Ambulance flight was transporting a critically ill child back to Mexico, where she had been receiving medical care in Philadelphia.
- The Learjet 55 took off at 6:06 p.m.
- The plane climbed to 1,600 feet (487 meters) before disappearing from radar.
- Seconds later, it plunged to the ground, exploding on impact.
- The aircraft’s final destination was Tijuana, with a planned stop in Missouri.
“This was a seasoned crew. Our flights go through rigorous safety protocols,” said Shai Gold, spokesperson for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance. “When an incident like this happens, it’s shocking.”
Explosion Engulfs Homes, Witnesses Recall Horror
The crash site, located near Roosevelt Mall in the Rhawnhurst neighborhood, became a scene of chaos as fire crews rushed to contain the flames engulfing multiple homes.
- Security cameras and doorbell footage captured the fiery impact.
- Eyewitnesses described a white streak in the sky followed by an explosion.
- Debris scattered across the intersection, sparking panic in the densely populated area.
Jim Quinn, a Philadelphia resident, captured the jet’s final moments on his doorbell camera:
“We heard a loud roar. Then, suddenly, a massive plume of smoke filled the sky.”
Michael Schiavone, a resident of nearby Mayfair, said the explosion shook his house:
“It felt like an earthquake. I checked my home security camera, and it looked like a missile coming down.”
Authorities Expect No Survivors
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the tragedy, confirming that officials expect fatalities:
“This is an awful aviation disaster. We know there will be loss.”
A continuous stream of emergency vehicles flooded the crash site, while police secured the area and evacuated nearby homes.
Trump Responds, Calls Crash “So Sad”
President Donald Trump reacted to the tragedy on Truth Social, saying:
“More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged.”
The disaster comes just two days after the deadliest U.S. air crash in decades, when an American Airlines jet collided midair with an Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft.
Who Was on Board?
Jet Rescue confirmed that all six people aboard the aircraft were Mexican nationals:
- A critically ill child being transported home.
- The child’s mother, accompanying her.
- Four experienced crew members, including two pilots and medical personnel.
Jet Rescue is a Mexico-based air ambulance service with operations in the U.S. and Latin America. The company previously:
- Transported baseball legend David Ortiz to Boston after he was shot in the Dominican Republic in 2019.
- Airlifted critically ill COVID-19 patients during the pandemic.
Investigation Underway: What Went Wrong?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into what caused the crash.
“We are gathering flight data, crew records, and maintenance history to determine the cause,” the NTSB stated.
Possible factors under review:
- Mechanical failure – The Learjet 55 was reportedly well-maintained, but investigators will check for engine or structural issues.
- Pilot error – The flight crew was experienced, but investigators will analyze communications and flight behavior.
- Weather conditions – There were no immediate reports of bad weather at the time of takeoff.
The wreckage will be examined for clues, and investigators will review the plane’s black box, if recovered.
Eyewitness Footage Captures Fireball Impact
A doorbell camera captured the final moments of the doomed jet as it:
- Plunged rapidly toward the ground.
- Exploded upon impact, sending flames and debris flying.
- Set multiple homes ablaze.
A cellphone video from a nearby motorist showed:
- A massive fireball erupting into the sky.
- Thick black smoke rising over the city.
- Emergency sirens blaring as first responders arrived.
What Happens Next?
The NTSB will release a preliminary report in the coming days, but a full investigation could take months. Key questions include:
- What caused the jet to crash seconds after takeoff?
- Did the pilots issue a distress call before impact?
- Were there any signs of mechanical failure or loss of control?
As investigators work to piece together the final moments of the flight, families mourn the victims, and the Philadelphia community reels from the tragedy.
