A devastating crash involving a medical jet in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday has left six people dead, including a young girl who had been receiving life-saving treatment in the U.S. and her mother. The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was en route to Tijuana after transporting the child, who had been sponsored by a charity for medical care, back to her home country in Mexico.
The passengers on board included the child’s mother, a pilot, a copilot, a doctor, and a paramedic, as confirmed by a spokesperson for Jet Rescue. The company has not yet disclosed any survivors from the tragedy, which occurred shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The plane crashed near Roosevelt Mall, causing a massive explosion and damaging nearby homes and vehicles.
The child had just been released from Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, where she had undergone treatment for a serious condition. A hospital spokesperson expressed deep sorrow over the loss, sharing that the girl’s departure was meant to be a hopeful return home, only to end in heartbreak.
Video footage captured the harrowing moment the jet exploded as it crashed into the ground, shortly after taking off. Mexico’s foreign ministry confirmed that all those on board the flight were of Mexican nationality.
In addition to the tragic loss of life on the jet, six people on the ground were injured during the explosion. They were taken to Temple University Hospital, where three have since been treated and released, while three remain hospitalized.
This heartbreaking tragedy has left many in mourning, as the community comes to terms with the loss of lives and the victims impacted by the crash. First responders are being praised for their swift actions in the aftermath of the explosion.
