
Another devastating plane crash has rocked the United States, this time in Philadelphia, where an air ambulance carrying six people crashed shortly after takeoff.
The Learjet 55 went down around 6:30 p.m. on January 31, just moments after departing for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, according to a statement given to NBC News by the operating company, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.
Authorities confirmed that six people were on board, including a young child who had just received life-saving medical treatment in the United States. The child, who was accompanied by a guardian and four medical crew members, was being flown back home to Mexico when the tragic accident occurred.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance spokespersons shared heartbreaking details with NBC10 Philadelphia, explaining that the young patient had completed treatment and was stable enough to travel.
“She was ready to go home, and we were contracted to bring her back to Mexico,” a spokesperson said.
“The final destination was Tijuana International Airport, where she was scheduled to be transported home by ground ambulance.”
The cause of the crash remains unknown, but Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed in a press conference that the aircraft crashed near Roosevelt Mall, causing damage to multiple homes and vehicles.
“Several dwellings and vehicles were impacted,” Mayor Parker stated, noting that emergency responders are still working to assess the full extent of the damage.
Authorities have not yet disclosed the number of fatalities, but six people who were not on the plane suffered injuries and were rushed to Temple University Hospital’s Jeanes Campus for treatment. As of now, three of them have been discharged.
Residents describe the Pennsylvania plane crash to be harrowing
Local residents described terrifying scenes of fire and destruction following the crash. One witness, who lives near the crash site, recalled the moment of impact and the horrifying aftermath.
“Out of nowhere, everything just shook,” the bystander told NBC10. “I thought a building had collapsed or something. I ran outside, and all I could see was a huge explosion.”
The witness also shared a chilling account of seeing someone engulfed in flames following the impact.
“I saw someone running on fire. I didn’t know what to do. I was just in shock. It’s something you see in a movie, but witnessing it in real life is just horrifying.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro assured residents that state officials are actively responding to the crash and working to provide support to the affected community.
“We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly,” Shapiro stated in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
“We’ll continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.”
NTSB and FAA Launch Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have taken charge of the investigation to determine what caused the air ambulance to crash.
This tragedy comes just two days after another fatal plane crash, in which an American Airlines aircraft went down, killing all 67 people on board. The NTSB is now investigating both crashes, with officials expected to release further details in the coming days.
“The FAA and NTSB will investigate,” the FAA confirmed in a statement to NBC News.
“The NTSB will lead the investigation and provide all updates.”