A medical evacuation jet carrying a child patient and five others has crashed in Philadelphia shortly after take-off, causing a fireball that engulfed several homes. The plane was operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, a company specialising in air ambulance services. They confirmed that the aircraft carried a patient, another passenger, and four crew members.
The company stated, “We cannot confirm any survivors. Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our personnel, their families, and anyone else who may have been affected on the ground.” Emergency responders were quickly on the scene, although the situation remains unclear at this time.
Mayor’s update and investigation
Mayor Cherelle Parker addressed the public, stating that the details regarding fatalities were not immediately available. However, she confirmed that several homes and vehicles in the area had sustained damage from the crash. “This remains an active investigation,” she noted, urging the community to remain patient as authorities continue their work.
This crash follows a tragic event in Washington DC just two days earlier. An American Airlines jet collided mid-air with an Army helicopter, killing all those on board. The crash in Philadelphia has added to the recent concerns surrounding aviation safety.
Eyewitness account of the jet crash and flight details
A doorbell camera in the area captured footage of the plane nosediving before exploding near a shopping centre and a major road. Jim Quinn, the owner of the camera, explained, “All we heard was a loud roar and then saw a large plume of smoke rising from the crash site.”
The plane, a Learjet 55, had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at 6:06 pm, heading towards Springfield, Missouri. It quickly disappeared from radar after climbing to an altitude of 1,600 feet. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.
