A homebound pediatric patient was said to be among the six people aboard a flight that tragically crashed in Philadelphia after air traffic control “lost” the plane.
Days after an American Airlines flight and U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter collided in midair killing 67 people, six Mexican nationals were suspected to have died after their plane crashed shortly after takeoff Friday evening.
Viral videos shared on social media captured the rapid descent of the aircraft in northeast Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that resulted in a massive explosion impacting local homes as well.
NEW DASHCAM VIDEO shows a massive explosion as a Learjet crashes in Northeast Philadelphia
The flight was an air ambulance that took off from NE Philly Airport destined for Springfield, Missouri
6 people on the plane are dead. Several reported injuries on the ground pic.twitter.com/JXpXLgz2Tf
— PhillyCrimeUpdate (@PhillyCrimeUpd) February 1, 2025
JUST IN: New video footage shows the moment a plane came crashing down from the sky in Northeast Philadelphia.
The plane is believed to have hit several buildings, which caught on fire.
A large fireball and plume of smoke were seen on the plane’s impact.
According to CBS News,… pic.twitter.com/LxZVf6swt2
— Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) February 1, 2025
A statement from the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that in addition to the pediatric patient who’d just undergone life-saving treatment and her mother, the pilot, copilot, physician and paramedic bringing her home were all Mexican nationals.
Audio from Air Traffic Control captured repeated attempts to contact the plane after it was cleared for takeoff. Failure to gain a response led to the aircraft being described as “lost” and the closure of the airfield.
The Federal Aviation Administration released its own statement Friday detailing what was known about the flight and that the National Transportation Safety Board would be in charge of the investigation: “A Learjet 55 crashed around 6:30 p.m. local time on Friday, Jan. 31, after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. Two people were on board. The plane was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.”
“The FAA and NTSB will investigate. The NTSB will lead the investigation and will provide all updates,” the statement added before a later update confirmed there had been six people on the flight.
NEW AUDIO from PNE Air Traffic Control trying to reach the aircraft
LISTEN as ATC learns that the aircraft is lost
Philadelphia Plane Crash pic.twitter.com/ZChASDQKsb
— PhillyCrimeUpdate (@PhillyCrimeUpd) February 1, 2025
For more information, visit https://t.co/g730XxqXzH. pic.twitter.com/yIOWFB6c9m
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) February 1, 2025
Speaking with Fox News Digital, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance spokesperson Shai Gold explained that, after a planned fuel stop in Missouri, the flight was bound for Tijuana International Airport.
“The plane was loaded with jet fuel that’s highly flammable. There is no indication that anybody survived, and by the debris field, I would be pleasantly surprised to learn otherwise,” he said. “[There was] a very seasoned pilot [and a] very seasoned co-pilot. They know the job, and they do it many times. We fly 600 to 700 missions a year. We are very busy, very active, and we keep top-notch staff.”
The company had previously been entrusted to transport former Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz from the Dominican Republic after he had been shot at a bar in 2019.
Without divulging personal details about the patient, Shriners Children’s Philadelphia spokesperson Mel Bower told CBS News that the girl had been treated at their facility and was, in fact, on her way home.
“It’s extremely hard and extremely difficult, those that were involved directly in her care were very aware that she was going to be traveling home and there had actually been a sendoff for her today,” he explained.
When asked if she enjoyed the farewell celebration that had been held for her, Bower said, “I’m certain that she did. Our staff — they work so hard at bringing joy and laughter and excitement into all parts of the clinical aspect. Our patients don’t look at it as going to the hospital. They go to a place where they have fun and have enjoyment.”
Additional injuries were reported by police who noted that at least six people on the ground had been taken to Temple University Hospital for treatment with three being released and three remaining hospitalized in fair condition. Equipment from the plane had been located at least a quarter-mile away from the fires, Fox 29 reporter Steve Keeley shared.
“There’s pieces everywhere.” One police commander just told me officers clear out the parking of McDonald’s. Medical oxygen tank from the jet @PhillyPolice tell me outside the McDonald’s at Cottman Ave & Roosevelt Blvd quarter mile at least from where I was earlier near… pic.twitter.com/5KKBZAQq2F
— Steve Keeley (@KeeleyFox29) February 1, 2025
While newly-confirmed Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy kept leaders apprised of the situation and offered support to local officials from the federal level, President Donald Trump reacted on Truth Social, “So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged. First responders are already being given credit for doing a great job. More to follow. God Bless you all.”
Vice President J.D. Vance shared the post and added, “Very sad situation. May God bless the victims and their families,” as Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro (D) and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) also addressed the tragedy.
Very sad situation. May God bless the victims and their families. pic.twitter.com/nz8AXO9PSW
— JD Vance (@JDVance) February 1, 2025
Just briefed the President and @GovernorShapiro from FAA HQ. I offered the full support of the @USDOT to the Governor and local officials.
Investigators are on site. @FAANews pic.twitter.com/CZOjE8TFKk
— Secretary Sean Duffy (@SecDuffy) February 1, 2025
I’ve spoken with @PhillyMayor and my team is in communication with @PhillyPD, @PhilaOEM, and @PhillyFireDept. We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly.
We’ll continue to provide updates as more information…
— Governor Josh Shapiro (@GovernorShapiro) February 1, 2025
Shelter is available for anyone who needs it at Samuel Fels High School at 5500 Langdon Street.
We are working with the NTSB, FAA, the Pennsylvania State Police, PA Department of Environmental Protection, and our Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments and Office of Emergency…
— Mayor Cherelle L. Parker (@PhillyMayor) February 1, 2025
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