PHILADELPHIA: A medevac plane crashed in Philadelphia on Friday evening, carrying six people, including a child and five others, with authorities unable to confirm any survivors. The aircraft, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, crashed with four crew members, a pediatric medical patient, and the patient’s escort on board.
The company released a statement saying, “At this time we cannot confirm any survivors,” as the investigation into the crash continues. Local and state officials also reported being unable to confirm the number of casualties on the ground, after the plane crashed in a densely populated area of the city.
Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania addressed the media at the crash site, stating, “We know there will be loss in this region.” He added, “We want to offer our thoughts and our serious prayers for those that are grieving at this moment.”
President Donald Trump expressed his condolences on social media, saying, “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.”
The crash occurred just days after a deadly collision between an American Airlines jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., which resulted in the deaths of 67 people—the deadliest aviation incident in the U.S. since 2009.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that the Learjet 55, which had six people aboard, crashed around 6:30 PM local time on Friday near the Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia. Local media reported that there were multiple injuries on the ground.
Video footage broadcast on local TV showed the plane in a sharp descent before it hit the ground and exploded in a massive fireball. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker addressed the scene, stating that several homes and vehicles were engulfed in flames. She emphasized the city’s response, saying, “All hands on deck, that’s where we are right now.”
The cause of the crash remains unclear, though weather conditions at the time were reported to be cold, rainy, and with low visibility. The plane had departed Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, according to the FAA.
Images from the crash site showed a large fire, which was mostly extinguished a couple of hours after the incident. Local fire trucks were visible at the scene, and emergency crews were actively working to manage the aftermath.
The Philadelphia police and fire departments have not yet responded to requests for comment.
