A devastating plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday resulted in at least seven fatalities and nineteen injuries. Six individuals perished aboard the medical transport jet, including a child, while another victim was killed on the ground. The injured were treated at multiple hospitals, including Jefferson Health (15 patients, with 12 discharged, 2 admitted, and 1 transferred), Temple University Hospital (7 patients, 6 discharged, 1 in fair condition), and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children (1 pediatric patient).
The impact ignited a significant fire, engulfing five structures and damaging vehicles in a four-to-six-block radius. Emergency responders extinguished the blazes, but investigations are ongoing to account for all victims and assess the extent of damage. Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Thiel noted that debris was also found in a remote location, a detail to be further investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Authorities are urging anyone concerned about missing loved ones to contact 911. Mayor Cherelle Parker stressed the need to avoid the crash site and reiterated that no donations or GoFundMe campaigns are officially sanctioned. Mental health support is available via 215-685-6440 or dbhids.org. A shelter has been established at Samuel Fels High School (5500 block of Langdon Street).
The Learjet 55, en route from Northeast Philadelphia Airport to Springfield-Branson National Airport (Missouri) with a final destination in Mexico, crashed near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard around 6:10 p.m. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo confirmed the deaths of all six passengers, including a child and her mother who had been under the care of Shriners Children’s Hospital. The NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of the crash. Video footage of the event, some showing graphic content, quickly spread across social media. Debris was scattered as far as a quarter-mile from the impact site.
Following the crash, Governor Josh Shapiro praised the swift response of first responders and community members. A temporary ground stop was implemented but has since been lifted, although Atlantic Aviation remains closed. The incident prompted expressions of sorrow from President Donald Trump. The investigation into the crash is expected to take several days or even longer to determine the full extent of casualties and damage.