Philadelphia, PA – A tragic scene unfolded in northeast Philadelphia late Friday when an air ambulance crashed into a residential neighborhood, touching off a massive blaze and damaging property. The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, went down just after 6 p.m., near Roosevelt Mall, resulting in an explosive fire that was visible throughout the surrounding area.
Authorities reported that the jet, carrying a young girl who had just completed treatment for a serious health condition, her mother, and four crew members, crashed shortly after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The intended route was to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, with a final stop planned in Tijuana, Mexico.
Local officials and Jet Rescue Air Ambulance have yet to confirm the survival of any passengers. Meanwhile, city law enforcement declared the incident a major disaster and asked citizens to avoid the crash site. At least six individuals on the ground sustained injuries and were treated at a local hospital, none of whom were in life-threatening conditions.
Eyewitnesses shared harrowing accounts of the crash, with many capturing the incident on mobile and home security cameras. Videos showed a large fireball rising into the sky, dramatically lighting up the evening as the aircraft impacted the ground. The neighborhood, usually bustling, turned into a scene of chaos as residents and responders reacted swiftly to the emergency.
The aircraft reportedly lost contact with air traffic control just moments after departure, disappearing from radar after reaching an altitude of about 1,600 feet. It then descended rapidly, falling around 11,000 feet per minute, according to preliminary data from aviation authorities.
Shai Gold, a spokesperson for Jet Rescue, explained that the flight included seasoned staff thoroughly trained for such critical missions. “When an incident like this occurs it is both shocking and surprising,” Gold said. He reassured that the company adheres to stringent maintenance protocols, understanding the gravity of their responsibility in transporting patients, particularly children.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance is recognized as a leading service in Mexico, with a significant presence in the United States. The company prides itself on specializing in pediatric medical transport, equipped with a fleet that includes several Learjets and an Airbus helicopter, all fitted with advanced medical equipment.
The crash came only two days after another devastating aerial tragedy involving a mid-air collision over Washington D.C., which claimed 67 lives involving a military helicopter and a commercial airliner.
President Donald Trump expressed his condolences via his Truth Social platform, calling the event a tragic loss of “more innocent souls” and commended first responders for their efforts. Newly confirmed Transport Secretary Sean Duffy, alongside Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, has been engaged in managing the federal and state response.
Governor Shapiro and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker are coordinating to mobilize all available resources to assist in recovery and investigate the cause of the crash. The mayor acknowledged the gravity of the disaster while also highlighting the community’s resilience: “Tonight, we saw the best of Philly – neighbor helping neighbor.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) along with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will be leading the investigation into the incident. In response to the events, Governor Shapiro reported that additional state troopers were deployed to support the ongoing response efforts, underscoring the significant impact this has had on the local community.