A tragic air ambulance crash occurred on Friday evening, January 31, 2025, near Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue in Northeast Philadelphia, resulting in the deaths of six people onboard and at least one person on the ground. The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at around 6:06 p.m. and lost radar contact within seconds at approximately 1,650 feet altitude.
The aircraft was transporting a pediatric patient and her mother back to Tijuana, Mexico, following treatments at Shriners Children’s Hospital. "We cannot confirm any survivors," the company stated, expressing their immediate concern for the families impacted.
Eyewitness accounts depicted horrifying scenes as the jet plummeted toward residential areas, resulting in multiple injuries and chaos on the ground. Videos captured the aircraft’s descent before it erupted in flames, causing significant damage to nearby homes and vehicles.
At least three homes caught fire, and surrounding roads were quickly closed by emergency responders who rushed to the site. The intensity of the crash led Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker to confirm fatalities, stating, "There was significant loss here." Local authorities were still assessing the aftermath, aiming to understand the full extent of the incident.
First responders, including firefighters and police, battled the flames and assisted injured citizens at the scene. Reports indicated at least 19 individuals on the ground suffered injuries, with emergency services working tirelessly to transport those hurt to nearby hospitals.
The child, who was reportedly flown from Mexico for life-saving treatment, was accompanied by her mother on the ill-fated flight. Shriners Hospitals for Children released a statement saying, "Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the medical crew and pilots who were also lost in this tragic event." The hospital expressed gratitude for the prompt action of first responders.
The crash occurred shortly after takeoff, and initial investigations by the FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are underway. Flight data revealed the plane was climbing rapidly before its sudden vertical drop; it recorded descent rates upwards of 11,000 feet per minute.
A local witness recounted the moment of the crash, stating, "I thought we were under attack for a second," after hearing the explosive sound of the impact. Many residents reported being shaken by the crash's force and blamed the local media's coverage for drawing them to the scene.
Philadelphia officials held press conferences to address the situation, with Governor Josh Shapiro conveying the state’s support to the city, emphasizing the response collaboration. Shapiro remarked, "We know there will be loss here and we are prepared to help those affected. No one should have to bear this pain alone."
The incident has shocked both local and Mexican communities as the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mexico confirmed all six individuals onboard were nationals. The ministry is currently liaising with the affected families to facilitate their needs during this distressing time.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy reported to President Trump about the tragic event, who expressed concern and offered condolences through his social media channels, stating, "So sad to see the plane go down... Innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged." Trump's acknowledgment of the tragedy highlighted the national impact of the crash, following closely with the recent American Airlines and Army helicopter collision which resulted in 67 fatalities.
The intersection of Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue remained closed as officials conduct investigations and gather evidence from the Crash site. With debris littering the area, residents have been cautioned to stay indoors and avoid any hazardous materials left from the incident.
The NTSB has launched their inquiry to ascertain the cause of the crash and the specific circumstances leading to this heartbreak for the families and loved ones of those involved. Further updates will be provided as new information becomes available, shedding light on this tragic event.
While investigations continue, the community rallies around the victims' families, offering thoughts and prayers to those who have lost loved ones and contributing assistance to those injured during this devastating incident.