Deadly Plane Crash in Philadelphia Claims 7 Lives, Toll May Increase

February 1, 2025 TruthUSA

A medical transport aircraft carrying a pediatric patient crashed in a neighborhood of Philadelphia, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board, as well as one person on the ground.

Seven fatalities were reported—including one on the ground—after a medical transport jet crashed into a residential area in Philadelphia on Friday night. Officials provided this update on Saturday morning and cautioned that the number of deceased may increase as recovery teams and investigators navigate through the wreckage.

The aircraft—a Learjet 55 operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance—was transporting a child patient, her mother, and four others when it suddenly nosedived after takeoff, leading to a catastrophic explosion on impact.

In a statement on February 1, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed that all six individuals aboard the jet had died, and one additional individual lost their life on the ground.

“At least 19 people have been treated at several local hospitals. The investigation is active and ongoing,” she stated. “Much more work lies ahead. Please remain at home and stay safe.”

Adam Thiel, the managing director of the city, indicated that it might take days for authorities to ascertain the complete details of the deceased and injured, noting that it’s “entirely plausible” that the death count could further escalate.

All six individuals aboard were from Mexico. The child patient had been receiving treatment in Philadelphia for a critical condition and was being flown back home, according to Jet Rescue spokesperson Shai Gold. After a stop in Missouri, the intended final destination of the flight was Tijuana.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum extended her condolences to the families affected by the tragedy in a Saturday morning social media post. Sheinbaum indicated that she had instructed Mexico’s Foreign Affairs Secretary to provide any necessary assistance.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated in a February 1 social media post that emergency responders were still actively addressing the grave situation and urged residents to follow any official guidelines or updates.

“In light of this tragedy, Philadelphia is responding in its characteristic way—law enforcement protecting our communities, neighbors aiding one another, and Pennsylvanians uniting,” he stated. “Please continue to heed local authorities, exercise patience, and hold your loved ones close.”

Traffic restrictions remain in effect in the vicinity of the crash site. The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management (OEM) urged citizens in a February 1 update to stay away from the area and to utilize alternative routes while anticipating prolonged delays.

“Traffic restrictions are still in place due to the response to the aircraft crash and ongoing investigation,” the Philadelphia OEM conveyed in a statement. “Outer lanes of Roosevelt Boulevard remain closed near Cottman Avenue. Cottman Avenue is closed between Bustleton and Brous Avenues. Expect closures to continue. Please avoid the area.”

Red Cross Philadelphia announced that volunteers have set up a shelter at Samual Fels High School, where four individuals stayed overnight following the incident. The organization expressed appreciation for the surge of community support but cautioned against bringing donations such as food or clothing to the shelter.

“We recognize that people are eager to assist and we value the support. At this moment, the Red Cross has all necessary resources to aid the community,” the organization mentioned in a statement. “We kindly request that you refrain from bringing material donations such as clothing or food to the shelter. We are in the process of identifying partners to manage donations.”

Investigators work the scene after a small plane crashed in Philadelphia, Penn., on Feb. 1, 2025. (Matt Rourke /AP Photo) — Investigators examine the crash site after a small plane accident in Philadelphia, Penn., on Feb. 1, 2025. Matt Rourke /AP Photo

Following takeoff from the airport at 6:06 p.m. and ascent to an altitude of 1,600 feet, the plane promptly vanished from radar, as reported by the flight tracking service Flight Aware.

The crash occurred in a bustling intersection close to Roosevelt Mall, an outdoor shopping area situated in the densely populated Rhawnhurst neighborhood. This incident took place less than three miles from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, primarily a hub for business jets and charter services.

During a late Friday press conference, Shapiro labeled the event an “awful aviation disaster” and indicated that numerous casualties were anticipated.

Footage circulating on social media shows the plane descending rapidly before erupting into a significant explosion. Additional videos capture dark smoke rising from the burning wreckage on a city roadway, with debris scattered and onlookers in disbelief. Other clips depict police securing the area while firefighters tackle multiple blazes.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy noted on social media that the jet was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.

Duffy went on to state that both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would conduct an investigation.

First responders work the scene after a small plane crashed in Philadelphia, Penn., on Jan. 31, 2025. (Matt Rourke /AP Photo) — First responders at the scene following a small plane incident in Philadelphia, Penn., on Jan. 31, 2025. Matt Rourke /AP Photo

The Epoch Times has contacted the NTSB and FAA for further details.

This crash transpired shortly after an American Airlines passenger plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair near Reagan National Airport, leading to 67 confirmed fatalities.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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