Philadelphia plane crash: All six onboard, one on ground killed; 19 injured —10 key updates

A tragic crash occurred on Friday evening when a Jet Rescue Air Ambulance Learjet 55 crashed shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The jet was carrying a child who had just completed treatment for a life-threatening condition, her mother, and four crew members, to Mexico. The crash resulted in the deaths of all on board, as the aircraft exploded in a fireball that engulfed several homes in a Philadelphia neighborhood. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences for the loss of the six individuals aboard the medical transport jet. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed that, in addition to the six fatalities aboard the aircraft, one person in a car on the ground lost life, and 19 others were injured in the crash.

1. Crash details

A Jet Rescue Air Ambulance Learjet 55 crashed shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport on Friday evening. The crash, which involved a child, her mother, and four crew members, resulted in fatalities for all those aboard.

The Learjet 55 crashed near a busy intersection in the Rhawnhurst neighborhood, close to Roosevelt Mall. A doorbell camera captured video of the plane plunging and exploding upon impact.

2. Passengers and crew

Everyone aboard the flight, including the child and her mother, were from Mexico. The child had completed treatment for a life-threatening condition and was being transported home. The flight’s final destination was Tijuana, with a stop in Missouri.

3. One killed, 19 injured on ground

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed that, in addition to the six fatalities aboard the aircraft, one person in a car on the ground lost life, and 19 others were injured in the crash.

4. Plane's maintenance and crew

Jet Rescue Air Ambulance stressed that their aircraft are rigorously maintained and all crew members are well-trained. This was a seasoned crew involved in the flight.

5. Governor’s statement

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro confirmed that fatalities were expected and described the incident as an “awful aviation disaster.”

6. Previous fatalities for Jet Rescue

This crash marks the second fatal incident in 15 months for Jet Rescue. In 2023, five crewmembers died when their plane crashed into a hillside in Mexico after overruning a runway.

7. Investigation underway

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. The plane disappeared from radar shortly after takeoff and the flight controller reported it as a "lost aircraft."

8. Shriner's Children’s Hospital confirms treatment of child

Shriner's Children's Hospital in Philadelphia, as per NBC News, has confirmed that the child aboard the Jet Rescue Learjet 55 was a patient treated at their facility. "Our hearts go out to the families of the medical crew and pilots who were also lost in this tragic event - as well as all of the people who were affected on the ground - and we're thankful to the first responders for their quick action," the hospital said in a statement.

9. Ongoing investigations

The FAA has confirmed that an NTSB investigator is on-site and additional officials are expected. The investigation will continue as authorities work to determine the cause of the crash.

10. Six Mexicans killed, President Sheinbaum offers condolences

Six people aboard a medical transport jet that crashed in Philadelphia were killed, according to Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum. On Saturday morning, President Sheinbaum expressed her condolences in a statement on the social media platform X.

“I mourn the passing of six Mexicans in the aviation accident in Philadelphia, United States. Consular authorities are in constant contact with the families; I've asked the Foreign Affairs Secretary to support whatever is needed. My solidarity with their loved ones and friends,” Sheinbaum said in a statement written in Spanish.