An air ambulance carrying six people, including a young girl, crashed in a Philadelphia neighborhood shortly after takeoff, exploding into flames. The Learjet 55 was en route to Missouri from Northeast Philadelphia Airport when it lost control and plummeted to the ground. “At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors,” Jet Rescue Air Ambulance stated, withholding names until families are notified.
The aircraft carried the young patient, her mother, and four crew members, all Mexican nationals. They were traveling to Tijuana, Mexico. “Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our personnel, their families, and other victims that may have been hurt on the ground.” Authorities reported injuries on the ground but have not confirmed fatalities. The crash damaged multiple cars and homes, leaving a path of destruction.
Flightradar data showed the plane descended at -11,008 fpm after reaching 1,650 feet. Emergency responders battled the fire while officials urged residents to avoid the area. “We have a lost aircraft,” an air traffic controller was heard saying after failed attempts to contact the jet.
Officials, including Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator John Fetterman, pledged support. President Trump commented, “So sad to see the plane go down… More innocent souls lost.”
The NTSB and FAA are investigating the crash. Jet Rescue specializes in “long-range critical-care air ambulance operations,” often transporting critically ill newborns. The crash follows another tragic midair collision in Washington, DC, that killed 67 people.
