Airplane Crash in Philadelphia Claims Six Lives; Injures Several on the Ground

A day after the deadly air crash near Washington, D.C, another fatal crash involving an aircraft happened in the US again.

A medical evacuation plane carrying six people, including a young girl, crashed in northeast Philadelphia near Roosevelt Mall on 31 January in the US.

It went down shortly after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at approximately 6:30pm local time.

Here’s what happened.

Airplane Crash in Philadelphia Claims Six Lives, Injures Several on the Ground

The aircraft, a Learjet 55 operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance,  was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri and ultimately bound for Tijuana International Airport in Mexico, where the patient was to continue her journey home by ground ambulance.

The patient, a child, had travelled to the United States for life-saving treatment and had been deemed fit to return home, according to Jet Rescue Air Ambulance spokesperson Shai Gold.

The six individuals on board included the pilot, copilot, physician, paramedic, pediatric patient, and the child’s escort.

Authorities confirmed that all passengers were Mexican nationals. The aircraft crashed into a heavily populated area, igniting multiple homes and vehicles in flames upon impact.

Fatalities Confirmed, Investigation Underway

Jet Rescue Air Ambulance stated that it could not confirm any survivors among those aboard. A spokesperson indicated it was unlikely that anyone survived the crash.

In addition to the fatalities on board, six people on the ground sustained injuries and were transported to the hospital.

Among them were an 11-year-old boy with head injuries, a 31-year-old man with head injuries, and a 30-year-old woman with facial injuries.

Three of the injured individuals have been treated and released, while the remaining three remain hospitalized.

Videos captured by bystanders and doorbell cameras showed the aircraft descending at a sharp angle before crashing and erupting into flames.

Another plane crash in Philadelphia. What is happening? pic.twitter.com/GlQxVqvkud

— Lord Hawkins (@lorde_skinwah) February 1, 2025

Footage of the aftermath depicted burning wreckage and debris strewn across the area.

Plane crashed on street, multiple cars and houses on fire #philly pic.twitter.com/3nQpr1IQt8

— リカ (@lika_4649) January 31, 2025

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro acknowledged the tragedy during a press conference, expressing condolences to those affected. “We know there will be loss in this region,” he said. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker also addressed reporters, confirming that multiple homes and vehicles had been damaged in the crash.

She urged residents to stay indoors as emergency responders continued their work.

Authorities Seek Answers as Investigation Progresses

The cause of the crash remains unknown.

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation. Authorities noted that weather conditions at the time of the crash included cold temperatures, rain, and low visibility.

Shai Gold, representing Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, stated that the aircraft had been in excellent flying condition and that the company had invested heavily in its maintenance to meet the highest international standards. “We really don’t know what happened,” he said.

This accident follows another deadly aviation incident in the United States just a day earlier.

On 30 January, an American Airlines plane collided with a U.S. Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., killing 67 people in what has been described as the deadliest aviation disaster in the country in recent years.

Authorities are expected to provide further updates as the investigation into the Philadelphia air ambulance crash continues.