A tragic crash involving a medevac jet occurred on Friday evening, January 31, 2023, when a Learjet 55 operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crashed shortly after departure from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The devastating incident resulted in the loss of seven lives, including two passengers—a young child who had just completed life-saving medical treatment and her mother—as well as the four crew members onboard. A significant number of injuries were reported on the ground, leaving the Philadelphia community grappling with the aftermath.
The crash happened around 6:30 PM, just after the aircraft took off on its way to Springfield-Branson National Airport, Missouri. It was then set to continue to Tijuana, Mexico. The Learjet lost altitude and plunged onto Cottman Avenue, where it caught fire, igniting five homes and injuring at least 22 people nearby.
Among the fatalities are 11-year-old Valentina Guzman Murillo and her mother, Lizeth Murillo Ozuna, both Mexican nationals. Valentina had spent months receiving treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital for conditions not easily treated back home. They were returning to Mexico after her treatment when the tragic crash occurred. The crash site suffered not just significant loss of life but also extensive damage to local properties, with at least eleven homes reported damaged or destroyed by the subsequent fire.
Shai Gold, managing director of corporate strategy and communications for Air Ambulance, spoke highly of the crew, asserting, "There was absolutely no indication of any issues with the plane prior to the crash" and highlighted the impeccable maintenance records of the aircraft. It was noted the experienced flight team consisted of pilot Alan Alejandro Montoya Perales, 46, and co-pilot Josué Juárez, 43. Gold stressed, "We pick the best of the best to fly those air ambulances." Dr. Raúl Meza Arredondo, a well-known neonatologist, and paramedic Rodrigo Lopez Padilla were also on board, emphasizing the expertise of those entrusted with the medical air transport. Their dedication to patient care made their loss especially poignant for the medical community and families involved.
Eyewitnesses described watching the jet struggle for altitude shortly after takeoff. It reached only approximately 1,500 feet before tragedy struck. The plane crashed with flames and debris scattering across the neighborhood, leading to the immediate involvement of emergency services. The impact created significant destruction, leaving buildings engulfed and vehicles wrecked, as the community faced the emotional and physical repercussions of the disaster.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken charge of the investigation, recovering the black box and enhanced ground proximity warning system from the crash site. The cockpit voice recorder was found around eight feet underground at the impact site, with NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy labeling the crash as 'high-impact' which resulted in the plane being highly fragmented. "We have not yet recovered everything we need to recover from the scene," Homendy noted, outlining the extensive work required.
Mayor Cherelle Parker expressed her condolences to victims' families and the community torn apart by the incident. She affirmed, "We are strong people, resilient people who understand the importance of taking care of each other." Local officials have urged residents to check on neighbors to account for anyone potentially unaccounted for, with investigations underway to assess the full scale of damages and casualties. Community shelter was made available for those affected.
The crash also raised concerns about aircraft safety and procedures, especially considering the aircraft's well-established reputation for reliability. Reports indicated there were no distress signals prior to the crash, leaving many to ponder potential mechanical failures or miscommunication with air traffic control. Audio recordings indicated confusion from air traffic control moments before the crash, with references to the aircraft 'talking with the wrong people,' emphasizing the need for clarity and accountability to prevent future tragedies.
Both Governor Josh Shapiro and local officials praised the collective response of services mobilizing to aid the affected, highlighting instances of neighbor helping neighbor and the solidarity shown across Philadelphia during this difficult time.
The air ambulance community, impacted by the loss of crew members and the patients they serve, mourns the death of Dr. Raúl Meza, Valentina, Lizeth, and the others lost. The investigation continues as there remain many unanswered questions surrounding this heartbreaking incident.