A tragic plane crash in Philadelphia has left six people dead after a US air ambulance crashed into a residential neighborhood. The accident caused a massive explosion, setting multiple homes on fire and shocking local residents.
The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport on Friday evening. It was heading to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri before making its final stop in Tijuana, Mexico. However, the aircraft lost control shortly after takeoff and crashed into a neighborhood.
The air ambulance was carrying six people:
- A young girl who was a patient
- Her mother
- Four crew members
All six victims were from Mexico. The child had been receiving treatment in Philadelphia for a serious condition and was being transported back home.
Witnesses described hearing a loud roar before seeing a massive fireball. A doorbell camera captured the moment the plane crashed, showing a white streak in the sky before an explosion. Residents said the impact felt like an earthquake.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro called the crash an “awful aviation disaster” and confirmed that fatalities were expected. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether anyone on the ground was injured or killed.
This is the second deadly crash involving Jet Rescue in 15 months. In 2023, another of their planes crashed in Mexico, killing five crew members.
This tragedy comes just two days after another deadly air accident. On Wednesday, an American Airlines jet collided midair with a US Army helicopter in Washington, D.C., killing all passengers and crew.
Authorities are still investigating the cause of the Philadelphia crash. More details will be released as the investigation continues.
