A plane carrying a family home to Mexico from Philadelphia crashed just 30 seconds after takeoff, killing all onboard. The mother and daughter had been returning from life-saving medical treatment in the U.S. Four crew members were also feared dead.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, which operated the Learjet 55, stated, “We cannot confirm any survivors,” emphasizing that their aircraft are well-maintained: “Not a penny is spared because we know our mission is so critical.”
Footage showed a massive fireball engulfing homes and vehicles, injuring several people. Some were hospitalized. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro called it an “awful aviation disaster,” warning, “We know that there will be loss.” Former President Trump also reacted, calling the crash “so sad.”
Authorities urged people to avoid the area. The final recorded words from the pilot were, “one, two, three point eight, mike tango sierra, zero, five six, medivac, thank you. Have a good day.” Shortly after, air traffic control lost contact. “We have a lost aircraft,” an air controller confirmed.
The tragedy follows another deadly U.S. air disaster on January 29, when an American Airlines jet collided with a U.S. military helicopter, killing 64 people.