One of the passengers on board a jet that crashed in Philadelphia on Friday night was a girl who was returning to Mexico after “receiving treatment for a life-threatening illness.”
An NBC affiliate in Philadelphia first reported the news, citing officials.
Why It Matters
The crash comes just days after a fatal midair collision on Wednesday night involving an American Airlines passenger plane and a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter.
The airline previously told Newsweek there were 60 passengers and four crew members on board, while the Black Hawk helicopter carried three soldiers. It is believed there are no survivors.
Recent airplane incidents and close calls nationwide have continued to raise concerns of safety protocols, and in a news conference on Thursday, President Donald Trump questioned if diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives were partly to blame for Wednesday night’s crash near Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
What To Know
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that a Learjet 55 crashed around 6:30 p.m. ET in northeast Philadelphia, after departing the Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The plane was carrying six people, according to the agency. The FAA also confirmed the plane was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.
The crashed occurred near the Roosevelt Mall on Cottman Avenue, a heavily trafficked area, during the evening rush hour.
In a news conference on Friday night, Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said, “we know that there will be loss in this region,” as Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said that there are “no reports on the number of fatalities.”
Newsweek reached out to the Philadelphia mayor’s office via email for comment.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance said in a post on LinkedIn that there were four crew members on board and two passengers, including a pediatric patient.
“At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors. No names are being released at this time until family members have been notified. Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our personnel, their families and other victims that may have been hurt on the ground,” the post said.
Immediately following the crash, numerous videos showing the impact and ensuing explosion took over social media.
What People Are Saying
Shai Gold, Managing Director of Corporate Strategy for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, told CNN on Friday night: “Terrible tragedy clearly, our condolences go to the families both the patient, her mother who escorted her, our crew of four, pilot, co-pilot, and a flight paramedic.”
“This aircraft had an excellent maintenance record, it’s a very reliable airplane that’s been used before,” Gold said. “This flight was a repatriation flight of a patient who recovered and was headed home. She was fit to fly, cleared to go back home, and we were contracted by a third-party charitable organization to transport her back to Mexico. So, the final destination was to be Tijuana International Airport. The flight…that Springfield Airport was what we call in the business a technical flight. It was for fueling and refueling and then we head straight south to Tijuana.”
Shapiro said on X, formerly Twitter: “I’ve spoken with @PhillyMayor and my team is in communication with @PhillyPD, @PhilaOEM, and @PhillyFireDept. We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly. We’ll continue to provide updates as more information is available.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on X: “Just briefed the President and @GovernorShapiro from FAA HQ. I offered the full support of the @USDOT to the Governor and local officials. Investigators are on site.@FAANews.”
Democratic U.S. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania on X: “I’ve been in contact with @PhillyMayor and awaiting further information on the tragic small plane crash in Northeast Philly. For folks in the area, please follow guidance from local officials and police officers.
President Donald Trump on Truth Social: “So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged. First Responders are already being given credit for doing a great job. More to follow. God Bless you all.”
What Happens Next
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said in a post on X that an investigator arrived at the scene on Friday and additional personnel will arrive on Saturday.
Mayor Parker also noted in a news conference that a shelter is open for impacted residents. The shelter is located at 5500 Langdon Street.
Update 1/31/25 11:22 p.m. ET: This story has been updated to include Shai Gold’s comments.
Update 1/31/25 10:45 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information.
The post Philadelphia Crash: Mexican Girl With Life-Threatening Illness on Plane appeared first on Newsweek.
