PHILADELPHIA — A tragic air ambulance crash near Roosevelt Mall on Friday evening has claimed the lives of seven individuals, including six aboard the Learjet 55 and one person on the ground, following the aircraft’s departure from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
The medical transport jet took off at approximately 6:06 p.m. carrying its young patient, her mother, and four crew members. Despite climbing rapidly to about 1,600 feet, the aircraft was airborne for less than one minute before falling onto the streets below, resulting in what witnesses described as a "massive fireball" upon impact.
Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed the severe impact, stating, "We know there will be loss in this region" and reported at least 19 other individuals received injuries. Most of those injured were treated and later released from nearby hospitals, though some remained hospitalized as of Saturday.
The ill-fated jet was operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance and was contracted to transport the child, who had been receiving long-term treatment at Shriners Hospitals for Children, back to Tijuana, Mexico, after undergoing lifesaving procedures. The plane’s final destination included multiple stops, with Missouri being one of them. Mel Bower, spokesperson for Shriners, noted the child had spent four months undergoing treatment and emphasized the strong bond formed between her and the hospital staff.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences on social media, stating, "I mourn the passing of six Mexicans... My solidarity with their loved ones and friends." The identification of victims began with the confirmation of Dr. Raúl Meza, the chief neonatologist for XE Médica Ambulancias, who was also present on board.
The crash has raised substantial concerns about air safety, especially as it occurred just two days after another tragic incident involving mid-air collision between American Airlines and Army Black Hawk aircrafts near Washington, D.C., which killed 67 people. NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy acknowledged the unusual timing of the two disasters, stating, "We are equipped to handle multiple investigations and will do so efficiently."
Initial investigations by the NTSB have not indicated any problems radioed from the jet to air traffic control before the tragedy. Further, officials are continuing their search for the aircraft's black box, which is pivotal for determining the exact cause of the crash. “It could be intact, but likely, it is damaged,” said Homendy.
Eyewitness accounts paint a stark picture of the moment leading to the crash. One diner patron recounted hearing what he initially mistook for thunder, later turning to see the explosion through the window. Video footage captured the fiery descent of the aircraft; its debris was scattered across four to six city blocks, igniting several nearby homes and vehicles.
Investigators anticipate the casualty figure may grow, as local authorities reported having seen injured individuals still unaccounted for on Saturday; the full impact area was not entirely assessed. Mayor Parker cautioned the public, saying, “Please stay home and safe,” as emergency crews continued their work.
Jet Rescue’s spokesperson, Shai Gold, expressed disbelief over the incident, stating the company maintains rigorous training for their flight crews and all aircraft are held to the highest maintenance standards.
Investigators, working with local and federal authorities, are also conducting house-to-house assessments to understand the extent of the damage caused by the crash. Philadelphia's management director, Adam Thiel, mentioned uncertainties related to the complete casualty figures, asserting it could take days or longer to ascertain who was affected.
The NTSB has urged residents who may find debris from the aircraft to report it, emphasizing the community's role in aiding their investigation. Interested individuals can contact [email protected] to share any pertinent information.
The tragedy of the Philadelphia air ambulance crash amplifies calls for stringent safety measures and heightened vigilance within air travel, especially concerning emergency medical flights where lives hang precariously.
This incident serves as yet another impactful reminder of the unpredictable nature of aviation and the pressing need for improvements to safety practices.