Plane Crashes in Northeast Philadelphia
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and other officials view the aftermath of a fatal small plane crashed in Philadelphia, Monday, Feb. 3, 2025. (Updated image courtesy of the Office of Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro)
A small private medjet crashed on Friday evening in Philadelphia after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport with the final destination of Tijuana. The medjet was transporting a young girl with a life-threatening condition.
Article by Ella Doda, Senior Political Correspondent
PHILADELPHIA - Around 6:30 pm on Friday, a medical jet carrying six passengers crashed in Northeast Philadelphia near the intersection of Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue. According to the FAA, the plane, a Learjet 55, was leaving the Northeast Philadelphia Airport, and heading toward the Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri before the crash. Shortly after departure, the plane plummeted, multiple videos captured the plane falling from the sky, causing a large explosion that left numerous cars, buildings, and at least three homes engulfed in flames.
The medjet traveled from Miami to Philadelphia before its departure to Missouri. Air traffic control had approved the pilots to take off but lost communication with them after take-off resulting in the lost aircraft call. The plane was less than 3 miles from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at the time of the crash. Officials reported that six passengers were on board the plane: two doctors, two pilots, one patient, and one family member. All passengers aboard were from Mexico. They remain unaccounted for.
The patient is reported to be a young girl who was returning to Mexico after receiving treatment for a life-threatening illness in the U.S., according to Shai Gold, a Jet Rescue Air Ambulance spokesperson. After arriving in Missouri, the flight was set to depart for Tijuana.
On the ground, six bystanders have been hospitalized. Three of the victims are currently being treated at Temple University Hospital’s Jeanes Campus. A spokesperson for the hospital shared that the admitted patients were in fair condition after the crash. The other three victims have been released.
First responders and authorities quickly arrived on the scene urging citizens to avoid the smoke, close their windows, and stay away from the area until it had cleared. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance shared in a statement: “We cannot confirm any survivors.”
The crash occurred in a high-foot traffic area near Roosevelt Mall. Residents surrounding the area said they felt the explosion about half a mile away from the impact.
Many Philadelphians took to social media to share their initial reactions following the crash. The captured footage from Friday night’s crash has begun to circulate rapidly online. Tonight’s accident occurred two days after the American Airlines crash carrying 60 passengers and four crew members from Wichita, Kansas to Washington, DC, which has left many Americans feeling uneasy and heartbroken by the back-to-back tragedies.
The medjet crash on Friday evening is the second fatal incident in 15 months for Jet Rescue. In 2023, five crewmembers were killed after a deadly crash into a hillside in the central Mexican state of Morelos. Jet Rescue is based in Mexico, operating both there and in the U.S.
President Trump extended his condolences to the victims of the Philadelphia plane crash via 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,” he shares.
This is a developing breaking news story. More updates to follow. The National Transportation Safety will lead the investigation and more officials are arriving in Northeast Philadelphia on Saturday.