A twin-engine medevac jet crashed in a northeast Philadelphia neighborhood on Friday night, resulting in a fiery explosion, according to authorities and eyewitness reports.
The Learjet 55, carrying six individuals, had just departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was destined for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, as confirmed by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The flight took off shortly after 6 p.m. ET but lost altitude rapidly after reaching 1,650 feet. Radar data indicated a descent speed of 11,000 feet per minute.
Audio communication from air traffic control captured a request to contact the medevac flight, followed by a distress call announcing a “lost aircraft.” The plane was carrying a pediatric patient, an escort, and four crew members; however, Jet Rescue, the air ambulance company operating the flight, has not confirmed any survivors.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker indicated that several homes and vehicles were impacted by the crash but could not provide casualty numbers at a Friday evening news conference. Reportedly, there are injuries on the ground.
Jet Rescue stated, “No names are being released at this time until family members have been notified,” emphasizing their concern for the family of the patient, their personnel, and those injured on the ground.
Photos from the scene revealed the medevac jet, registered in Mexico, bearing “Jet Rescue” alongside medical logos. Witnesses described a “big ball of flames in the sky” and heard a loud bang that shook buildings nearby.
Philadelphia’s emergency management department closed roads around Cottman and Bustleton avenues due to the incident, while the Northeast Philadelphia Airport was briefly shut down but has since reopened. Roosevelt Mall was evacuated as a precaution, with no reported injuries or damages.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro pledged resources from the Commonwealth for the emergency response. State emergency management staff and troopers are on the scene, while environmental protection officials are ensuring that hazardous materials are addressed.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board have initiated an investigation into the crash. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy confirmed investigators are on site, and President Donald Trump received a briefing about the incident, expressing condolences on social media.
This crash follows an investigation into a separate aviation collision that occurred in the Washington, DC, area earlier in the week, which resulted in multiple fatalities.
In the aftermath of the crash, Governor Shapiro emphasized the community’s resilience and the coordinated response from local, state, and federal officials. “We saw neighbors helping neighbors,” he said, offering thoughts and prayers for those affected.
Support services, including a team from the Red Cross, are on-site to assist displaced residents, and shelter has been made available for those impacted by the tragedy. Senator Dave McCormick is also closely monitoring the situation and has expressed his support for local authorities.
Credit: CNN