Medical Transport Plane Crashes in Northeast Philadelphia: Child Among Six on Board

Crash 2 Dashing News

A tragic plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia has claimed multiple lives, including a child receiving medical transport. The Learjet 55, en route to Missouri, went down in a fiery accident, prompting an extensive emergency response.


Overview of the Crash

  • Date & Time: Friday, January 31, 2025, at approximately 6:30 p.m.

  • Location: Near Roosevelt Mall, Northeast Philadelphia

  • Aircraft: Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance

  • Destination: Springfield-Branson National Airport, Missouri

  • Passengers: Six people on board, including a pediatric patient and her mother

  • Emergency Response: Philadelphia Fire and Police Departments, Pennsylvania State Troopers, FAA, and NTSB officials on-site


Details of the Incident

Authorities confirmed that the plane departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport before crashing near Roosevelt Mall. Witnesses reported seeing a fireball and hearing a loud explosion. Video footage from a doorbell camera captured the final moments before impact, showing the aircraft descending rapidly before erupting into flames.

Passengers and Crew

  • The child patient was receiving medical treatment from Shriners Children’s Hospital and was being transported back to Mexico with her mother.

  • Four crew members were also on board, though their identities have not yet been released.

  • Jet Rescue Air Ambulance has not confirmed any survivors and has prioritised notifying families.

Shriners Children’s released a heartfelt statement, expressing their sorrow for the victims and gratitude towards first responders.


Eyewitness Accounts

Many people in the area witnessed the horrific scene.

  • Jim Quinn, who owns the doorbell camera that captured the crash, described hearing a loud roar before seeing a massive plume of smoke.

  • Mikey, a nearby gas station employee, recounted how the explosion shook the entire station. “I saw a ball of fire and debris flying everywhere. It was terrifying.”

  • A local driver stated, “I was heading to Wendy’s when I saw the plane hit the building. The sky lit up, and everything around me shook.”

Videos on social media show burning vehicles and debris scattered across the crash site.


Casualties & Injuries

  • Temple University Hospital reported receiving six injured individuals. Three have been released, while three remain hospitalised in fair condition.

  • A firefighter was also hospitalised due to breathing difficulties.

  • No information has been released about casualties on board the plane.

Officials have urged residents to avoid the area and not touch any debris, as investigations continue.


Emergency Response & Investigation

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro held a press conference following the crash.

  • 45 state troopers, PennDOT personnel, and members of the Pennsylvania Emergency Management Authority have been deployed.

  • The FAA and NTSB have sent four officials each to investigate the cause of the crash.

  • A shelter has been set up at Samuel Fels High School for displaced residents.

Governor Shapiro commended emergency responders, stating, “We saw the best of Philadelphia tonight – people coming together to help one another.”


Potential Causes of the Crash

Aviation experts have pointed out several factors that could have contributed:

  • Challenging Flight Conditions:

    • Rain and fog were reported at the time of the crash.

    • Visibility was between 5-7 miles, with a cloud base at 400-600 feet.

    • Winds were recorded at 10 mph from the southwest.

  • Fatigue & Stress on Crew:

    • Ron Alvarado, a former Marine One commander, stated that medical transport flights can be extremely exhausting for pilots due to long hours.

  • Mechanical Failure & Human Error:

    • Investigators will analyse flight data, air traffic control communication, and aircraft maintenance history to determine if technical or human errors played a role.


Reactions from Officials & Public

President Donald Trump issued a statement on Truth Social, saying, “So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia. Our first responders are doing a great job. God bless you all.”

The crash occurred just two days after a midair collision in Washington, D.C., raising concerns about recent aviation incidents.


Ongoing Investigation

  • The FAA issued a temporary ground stop at Northeast Philadelphia Airport following the incident.

  • Authorities will review flight recordings, witness reports, and aircraft wreckage to determine the exact cause.

Officials urge anyone with additional video footage or information to come forward as investigations continue.


Final Thoughts

This devastating crash has left families and the community in mourning. With investigations underway, authorities hope to provide answers and prevent similar tragedies in the future.

Our thoughts are with the victims and their loved ones during this difficult time.


Sources:

  • WPVI (ABC Philadelphia)

  • FAA & NTSB official statements

  • Temple University Hospital

  • Eyewitness accounts from social media

 

 

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