Small medical jet crashes in Philadelphia, killing all six on board
- A small medical jet crashed in Northeast Philadelphia, resulting in an explosion and fires in nearby homes.
- Six people were on board, including a pediatric patient, her mother, and four crew members.
- All on board perished in the incident, prompting an investigation by the FAA and NTSB.
In the United States, a tragic event unfolded on January 31, 2025, when a small medical jet crashed in a densely populated neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia. The aircraft, a Learjet 55 operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was transporting a pediatric patient along with her mother and four crew members from Northeast Philadelphia Airport to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. Shortly after takeoff, the plane climbed to an altitude of 1,600 feet before disappearing from radar and ultimately going down near the Roosevelt Mall, erupting in a massive fireball that ignited multiple nearby homes and vehicles. Eyewitnesses reported hearing an explosion, feeling their houses shake, and witnessing the devastation unfold in front of them. The intensity of the crash resulted in considerable damage, with several row homes catching fire and leaving many on the ground injured. First responders quickly arrived at the scene, declaring a major incident. Hundreds of local firefighters, police officers, and emergency personnel worked together diligently to contain the fire and provide aid to those affected. As the investigation into the crash began, it was confirmed that all six individuals on board the jet did not survive the incident. The pediatric patient was a Mexican national who had received treatment at Shriners Children's Philadelphia. Her mother was with her during the ill-fated flight, which was intended to take them back to their home in Tijuana, Mexico. The incident has led to a profound sense of grief in the community and beyond, as public officials and residents alike expressed condolences and called for support for those impacted. As authorities launch investigations into the causes and circumstances surrounding this aviation disaster, attention will focus on the actions taken by the crew during the flight and any mechanical failures that may have contributed to the tragedy. The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration will be leading the inquiry, aiming to provide answers about the crash and ensure measures are in place to prevent such tragedies in the future.