A twin-engine Learjet 55 medevac jet crashed in northeast Philadelphia on Friday night, causing an explosion.
The aircraft, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was carrying six people, including a young patient and her mother, both of whom had been receiving medical treatment in Philadelphia before attempting to return to Mexico.
The flight, which had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri for a scheduled refuelling stop before continuing to Tijuana, Mexico.
Onboard were four crew members—pilot, co-pilot, paramedic, and doctor—all of whom, along with the patients, were Mexican nationals.
The crash resulted in extensive damage to nearby homes and vehicles. Six individuals were hospitalized, three of whom were treated and later discharged.
No survivors have been confirmed at this time, and authorities are working to determine the cause of the crash. Hazmat teams are also addressing dangerous materials at the scene.
The crash occurred near Roosevelt Mall, with surrounding roads closed for safety, and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has mobilized state resources to assist in the ongoing emergency response.
This tragedy comes amid a spate of recent aviation disasters in the United States.
Just two days ago, an American Airlines flight collided with an Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.’s Reagan National Airport, killing all 67 people on both aircraft.
The crash has prompted new concerns about air traffic control staffing and aviation safety.
In response, the Federal Aviation Administration has implemented additional restrictions on helicopter operations around the airport.
