At least seven individuals have lost their lives following a medical plane crash in Philadelphia, including six Mexican nationals onboard and one person on the ground, as confirmed by Mexico’s president and Philadelphia’s mayor.
The city’s Mayor, Cherelle Parker, stated during a press conference that the individual who died on the ground was inside a vehicle at the crash site.
“Currently, we have identified 19 people who have sustained injuries,” Ms. Parker reported.
In a separate statement on X, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum mentioned that she had requested consular officials to assist the families of the six Mexican citizens who perished in the crash.
According to Shai Gold, who handles corporate strategy for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the child involved was a girl returning home, with her final destination being Tijuana. He also noted that her mother was on board the aircraft.
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“We are profoundly shocked by this tragic incident,” Mr. Gold remarked.
“This crew was extremely experienced. We are a leading air ambulance service, conducting between 600 to 700 flights annually.”
He emphasized that the company had made significant investments to ensure its aircraft met the highest international standards, asserting that the crashed plane was in excellent flying condition.
“We truly don’t have an explanation for what happened,” Mr. Gold stated.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the media at the crash site, stating, “We are aware that there will be significant loss in this region.”
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker speaks during a news conference following the plane crash.
“We extend our heartfelt thoughts and sincere prayers to those who are mourning during this difficult time,” Mr. Shapiro expressed.
On social media, President Donald Trump lamented, “It is so sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent lives lost. Our first responders are already receiving praise for their excellent work.”
This incident follows a recent collision between an American Airlines jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington DC, resulting in 67 fatalities, marking the deadliest plane crash in the U.S. since 2009.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported that six people were aboard the Learjet 55 that crashed around 6:30 PM local time (11:30 PM Irish time).
Local news outlets indicated that the crash occurred near Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia, with multiple injuries reported on the ground.
Footage broadcasted by local TV stations displayed the plane in a steep descent before crashing and exploding.
Police cordon off the scene of the crash.
Authorities stated that the cause of the crash remains unclear.
The weather conditions were cold and rainy, with low visibility at the time of the incident.
The air ambulance had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, heading towards Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, approximately 1,800 km to the southwest, according to an FAA statement.
Images aired by the Philadelphia CBS affiliate revealed a large fire at the crash site, along with several fire trucks on standby.
Approximately two hours post-crash, most fires were reported to be extinguished, according to television reports.
