Mexico Confirms Six Killed in Philadelphia Medical Jet Crash/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ A medical transport jet carrying a Mexican child, her mother, and four crew members crashed in Philadelphia, killing all six on board. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the fatalities, expressing condolences and pledging support for the victims’ families. At least six people on the ground sustained injuries. Authorities, including the NTSB and FAA, are investigating the cause of the tragic crash, which occurred near Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
Mexico Confirms Six Dead in Philadelphia Jet Crash: Quick Looks
- Six Fatalities Confirmed – Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced the deaths of all passengers.
- Child & Mother Among Victims – The young patient was returning home after medical treatment.
- Jet Rescue Air Ambulance Involved – Learjet 55 operated by Mexican-based Jet Rescue.
- Six Ground Injuries – Several bystanders suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
- Captured on Video – Surveillance cameras recorded the fiery impact near Roosevelt Mall.
- NTSB Investigating – Authorities searching for answers in the second Jet Rescue crash in 15 months.
Mexico Confirms Six Dead in Philadelphia Air Ambulance Crash: Deep Look
A Tragic Loss in Philadelphia
A medical transport Learjet 55 crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood Friday evening, killing all six passengers on board. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the fatalities, expressing condolences and instructing consular officials to assist grieving families.
“I mourn the passing of six Mexicans in the aviation accident in Philadelphia, United States,” Sheinbaum posted on social media. “Consular authorities are in constant contact with the families; I’ve asked the Foreign Affairs Secretary to support whatever is needed.”
A Fiery Crash in a Crowded Neighborhood
The Mexico-registered Learjet 55 had just taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at 6:06 p.m., climbing to 1,600 feet before suddenly disappearing from radar. Within moments, it plunged into a busy intersection near Roosevelt Mall, causing an explosion that engulfed multiple homes.
Footage captured by doorbell cameras and cellphones showed the plane streaking downward before a massive fireball erupted upon impact.
Eyewitness Jim Quinn: “We just turned around and saw the big plume. It was terrifying.”
Six Injured on the Ground
At least six people on the ground were treated for injuries at Temple University Hospital-Jeanes.
- Three were released after receiving medical attention.
- Three others remain hospitalized in fair condition.
- Their injuries have not yet been fully detailed.
Jet Rescue’s History of Crashes
This is the second fatal crash in 15 months for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, a Mexican-based company with operations in the U.S.
- In 2023, a Jet Rescue plane crashed in Morelos, Mexico, killing five crew members after overrunning a runway.
- The company, which specializes in medical evacuations, previously transported baseball Hall of Famer David Ortiz after he was shot in 2019.
Jet Rescue spokesperson Shai Gold expressed shock at the incident:
“When an incident like this happens, it’s shocking and surprising. All of the aircraft are maintained, not a penny is spared because we know our mission is so critical.”
A Frightening Scene Captured on Video
Doorbell Camera Footage: Recorded the jet’s final moments, showing a streak of light followed by a fiery explosion.
Cellphone Footage: Captured the burning wreckage and panicked bystanders reacting to the crash.
Michael Schiavone, a Philadelphia resident, said he initially thought the city was under attack.
“There was a large explosion. It felt like an earthquake,” he said.
A Desperate Attempt to Save the Flight
Air Traffic Control Audio (LiveATC)
- ATC directed “Medevac Medservice 056” to turn right after departure.
- Repeated the request when the aircraft did not respond.
- Moments later, a chilling statement:
“We have a lost aircraft. We’re not exactly sure what happened.”
Similarities to Another Recent Air Disaster
This crash occurred just two days after the deadliest U.S. aviation disaster in a generation.
- On Wednesday night, an American Airlines jet collided with a U.S. Army helicopter over Washington, D.C., killing all 64 people aboard.
While the Philadelphia crash was on a much smaller scale, it has raised new concerns about aviation safety.
Trump Reacts to the Crash
In a post on Truth Social, former President Donald Trump called the crash a tragedy:
“So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia. More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged.”
Investigations Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating:
Flight Data & Voice Recorders – Search underway for the jet’s black boxes.
Aircraft Maintenance History – Examining whether mechanical failure played a role.
Crew Training & Fatigue Analysis – Reviewing pilot records and experience.
Possible Air Traffic Control Errors – Checking communication logs for abnormalities.
NTSB officials confirmed that an investigator arrived late Friday, with a larger team joining on Saturday.
What’s Next?
- Autopsies & Victim Identification: Mexican consular officials assisting U.S. authorities.
- Crash Site Clean-Up & Damage Assessment: Local firefighters and emergency crews remain on the scene.
- Preliminary NTSB Report: Expected within weeks, but full investigation may take months.
The Philadelphia crash is a devastating loss for the victims’ families and a stark reminder of the risks in medical transport aviation. As the investigation unfolds, authorities seek answers to prevent future tragedies.
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