PHILADELPHIA – A horrific crash involving a medical transport jet claimed the lives of all six individuals on board and one person on the ground on Friday evening, igniting multiple fires and shaking the Northeast Philadelphia community. The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was carrying a pediatric patient who had just received life-saving treatment along with her mother and four medical staff when it plummeted just after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the plane took off at 6:06 p.m. and ascended to roughly 1,600 feet before crashing just around six minutes later, at approximately 6:10 p.m. Witnesses described the crash as being accompanied by a loud explosion and visible flames lighting up the night sky. Eyewitness reports indicated chaos on the ground, with debris scattering over several blocks and multiple homes and vehicles catching fire.
"This was a high-impact crash and the plane is highly fragmented. There is substantial impact on the entire community," stated NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy during the press briefing following the tragedy. The crash resulted not only in the loss of all six Mexican nationals aboard the aircraft, including the mother and daughter duo, Lizeth Murillo Osuna and Valentina Guzman Murillo, but also caused injuries to 19 bystanders, though details on their conditions vary. Many have since been treated and released from local hospitals such as Jefferson Health and Temple University Hospital.
Emergency responders reported extensive damage, with five structures burning at the crash site, and officials urged residents to stay clear of the debris-laden area for safety. "The debris is scattered. It is very dangerous, and so I encourage everyone to stay out of the accident site," Homendy warned.
The medical flight was initially bound for Tijuana, Mexico, after making a stop at Springfield-Branson National Airport, as confirmed by the operating company, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance. The pilot, Alan Montoya, and co-pilot, Josue Juarez, were also among the deceased, alongside Dr. Raul Meza and paramedic Rodrigo Lopez Padilla, who were providing care for Valentina during the flight.
The NTSB is currently investigating the cause of the crash and searching for the cockpit voice recorder, also known as the black box, which could be pivotal to determining the flight's final moments. "It could be intact but likely it is damaged. It may be fragmented," Homendy stated about the device, urging anyone who finds any aircraft debris to contact the NTSB.
Authorities have updated the public on their efforts and the situation continues to evolve. "There are reports of six injured on the ground with varying conditions, but this number may still change as we gather more information," said Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Thiel. He continued by addressing the growing concern of the community, emphasizing on the importance of notifying the authorities about potential missing persons related to the crash.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed the grim death toll. "This is a tragedy in our city – people have lost their lives and many injured in this horrific crash and the damage is significant," she said. She also encouraged those who might have seen anything unusual during the crash to come forward and report, reinforcing the community's collective responsibility during times of distress.
Expressing solidarity, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum commented on the incident, confirming the fatalities of Mexican nationals and assuring support for the victims' families through consular authorities. She stated, "I regret the death of six Mexicans in the plane crash in Philadelphia, United States. The consular authorities are in permanent contact with the families; I have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support them as required. My solidarity with their loved ones and friends."
The crash occurred just days after another aviation incident involving multiple casualties near Washington, D.C., raising alarms about aviation safety nationwide. President Trump also expressed his condolences via social media, emphasizing the engagement of first responders and noting the national significance of such tragedies.
Residents affected by the incident are advised to reach out for support, with emergency shelters provided, and mental health resources available through the City of Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disabilities Services.
The investigation by the NTSB continues, with efforts focused on locating any survivors and gathering evidence to piece together the events leading up to this devastating incident and its repercussions on the community.