PHILADELPHIA — A devastating air ambulance crash occurred on Friday evening, killing seven people, including six Mexican nationals aboard the Learjet 55, which had just taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The tragedy unfolded as the jet was transporting a young girl who had just received life-saving treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital, her mother, and four crew members. The additional fatality involved the driver of a car who was caught up in the catastrophic crash.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed the fatalities, and at least 19 individuals on the ground sustained injuries during the incident. Those injured were treated at nearby hospitals, and most have since been discharged, though some remain hospitalized.
The child aboard the jet had been receiving treatment for months and was being transported back to her home country of Mexico along with her mother. The flight was destined for Tijuana, Mexico, with a planned stop in Missouri when it plunged to the ground shortly after takeoff. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance operated the flight, and spokesperson Shai Gold expressed shock at the incident, stating, “It’s shocking and surprising. All of the aircraft are maintained, not a penny is spared because we know our mission is so serious.”
The plane crashed less than three miles from the airport, shortly after 6 p.m. Witnesses described seeing the jet take off and then rapidly descend before erupting in flames upon impact with the busy intersection near Roosevelt Mall, resulting in smoke and debris scattering across the area. Video footage captured moments after the crash showed the chaos ensuing, with bystanders rushing to comprehend the devastating scene before them.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum offered her condolences through social media, stating, “I mourn the passing of six Mexicans in the aviation accident in Philadelphia, United States.” She highlighted the need for the Consulate to assist the victims' families, reiterative of the international concern surrounding the incident.
All initial reports indicated the flight crew was experienced and had undergone rigorous training. Pilot Alan Montoya and co-pilot Jesús Juárez were recognized as skilled professionals, with Juárez having posted about his flying experiences just hours before the fateful flight. Gold mentioned, “We pick the best of the best to fly those air ambulances. These are very careful, very seasoned individuals.” Despite this, the flight experienced severe complications immediately after takeoff, leading to questions about the specifics of the crash.
Adam Thiel, Philadelphia’s managing director, confirmed the investigation would take time, and authorities were working diligently to gather information about the accident. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will conduct the investigation, requiring days or longer to clarify the details and full casualty numbers. Thiel acknowledged “there are lots of unknowns” as the surrounding area remains chaotic with debris and destruction.
Eyewitness accounts describe the sound and sight of the crash vividly. “I heard like a ‘boom,’ and I thought it was thunder,” said Selkuc Koc, who was nearby. Jim Quinn, whose doorbell camera captured the incident, remarked, “All we heard was a loud roar and didn’t know where it was coming from.”
The crash marks Jet Rescue’s second highly publicized incident within 15 months, following another crash involving the company in Mexico, which resulted in the deaths of five crew members. This raises significant concerns about air ambulance operations, particularly as authorities work to determine what went wrong during this tragic flight.
With the final destination being Tijuana after stopping at Springfield-Branson National Airport, the ramifications of this accident extend beyond the immediate tragedy itself. The incidents of the past week, including another harrowing air collision involving American Airlines, have cast shadows on aviation safety, leading to increased scrutiny of air travel protocols.
For now, the focus remains on providing support to the grieving families and ensuring those who survived receive proper care. The loss resonates deeply within both the Philadelphia community and the families back home in Mexico, highlighting the fragile nature of life where aviation connects distant borders but can also, tragically, take them away.