A devastating plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday claimed the lives of seven people and injured at least 19 others. Six individuals perished aboard the medical transport jet, including a child, while another fatality occurred on the ground, inside a vehicle struck by debris. The extent of injuries among the 19 survivors remains unclear, with officials cautioning that the casualty numbers may change in the coming days. Jefferson Health treated 15 individuals, discharging 12, admitting two for further care, and transferring one to another facility. Temple University Hospital treated six patients, releasing them all but one, who remains hospitalized in fair condition. One pediatric patient is receiving treatment at St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children.
The impact resulted in a substantial fire engulfing five structures, all of which have since been extinguished. Emergency responders are conducting a thorough grid search across a four-to-six-block area, assessing damage, accounting for all individuals, and examining structural integrity. Investigations also extend to a “remote area” where additional aircraft debris was discovered, an aspect that will be further explored by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Thiel urged anyone with concerns about missing loved ones to contact 911. Mayor Cherelle Parker reiterated this plea and requested residents avoid the crash site, refrain from donating, and disregard unofficial GoFundMe campaigns. Mental health support is available through 215-685-6440 or dbhids.org. A shelter has been established at Samuel Fels High School (5500 block of Langdon Street).
The crash site reveals a significant crater in the roadway and widespread destruction, captured in numerous videos circulating on social media, some depicting graphic content. Debris has been found up to a quarter-mile from the impact point. One video shows patrons in a diner taking cover from the blast, with one individual sustaining injuries from flying debris. The Learjet 55, carrying the child, her mother, and four others, departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, with a final destination in Mexico. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo confirmed the deaths of all six Mexican nationals on board. Shriners Children’s Hospital confirmed the child on board had received prior care at their facility.
The NTSB and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the cause of the crash. An NTSB investigator arrived on the scene Friday night, with additional team members arriving Saturday. Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro commended the first responders and community members for their efforts. Following the crash, a temporary ground stop was implemented but has since been lifted, although Atlantic Aviation remains closed. The incident follows another recent aviation tragedy, a separate crash near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport resulting in 67 deaths.