A tragic air ambulance crash in Philadelphia leaves seven dead and nineteen injured, sparking an extensive investigation into the cause of the catastrophe.
At a Glance
- A Learjet 55 air ambulance crashed shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport
- Seven people died, including six on the jet and one person in a car on the ground
- The jet was carrying patients from Mexico, including a child who had been receiving hospital treatment
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the ongoing investigation
- The crash site spans four to six blocks, with authorities assessing damage to homes and vehicles
Deadly Crash Shakes Philadelphia Neighborhood
Philadelphia residents were jolted by a catastrophic air ambulance crash on Friday evening, resulting in seven fatalities and nineteen injuries. The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, plummeted to the ground less than three miles from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, creating a massive fireball and leaving a trail of destruction across several city blocks.
That’s two major crashes in less than a week…
The aircraft was carrying six individuals from Mexico, including a child who had been receiving medical treatment at a local hospital. The flight was bound for Tijuana, Mexico, with a planned stopover in Missouri. Tragically, all six occupants of the plane perished in the crash, along with one person in a car on the ground.
From a source involved in the investigation:
Something happened on the plane (fire) that caused the oxygen tank to explode. All occupants were deceased before impact. Up to 3 civilians on the ground died from the crash. Other details are to horrific to post. 🙏 https://t.co/5M1sSQubop— Sgt. Mark Fusetti (Retired) (@MarkFusetti) February 1, 2025
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead in investigating the cause of this devastating accident. NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy described the incident as a “high-impact crash,” underscoring the severity of the collision. Investigators are meticulously combing through the wreckage, searching for crucial evidence such as the cockpit voice recorder to piece together the events leading up to the crash.
“All of sudden I heard like a ‘boom,’ and I thought it was a thunderstorm,” said Selkuc Koc, a waiter at the Four Seasons Diner on Cottman Avenue.
“And I get up and look at the smoke and the fire, it was like a balloon. I thought it was a gas station that blew up.”
The crash site, spanning four to six blocks, has become a focal point for investigators and local authorities. They are assessing the extensive damage to homes and vehicles in the affected area, highlighting the far-reaching impact of this tragic event on the local community.
The crash has garnered international attention, particularly from Mexico, as all six victims aboard the plane were Mexican nationals. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences, stating, “Consular authorities are in constant contact with the families; I have asked the Foreign Affairs Secretary to support whatever is needed. My solidarity with their loved ones and friends.”
The crash marks the second fatal crash for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance in just 15 months, raising questions about the company’s safety record. The previous accident occurred in November 2022, adding another layer of concern to the ongoing investigation.
As the investigation continues, authorities are working to uncover the cause of the crash, whether it be mechanical failure, human error, or other factors. The Philadelphia community and the families of the victims are left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic event, seeking answers and closure in the wake of such devastating loss.
