Philadelphia, PA – In a devastating incident on the evening of January 31, 2025, a Learjet 55 medical transport plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, resulting in the loss of all six individuals on board.
The aircraft was transporting a pediatric patient and her mother back to Tijuana, Mexico, after the child had received life-saving treatment at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia.
Details of the Flight and Crash
The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, departed Northeast Philadelphia Airport at approximately 6:06 p.m.
The flight plan included a scheduled stop at Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri before continuing to its final destination in Tijuana.
Tragically, just 30 seconds after takeoff, the aircraft disappeared from radar and crashed near the intersection of Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, close to the Roosevelt Mall in Northeast Philadelphia.
Individuals Onboard
The six individuals aboard the aircraft were:
Role | Description |
---|---|
Pediatric Patient | A young girl returning to Tijuana after receiving critical medical treatment. |
Mother | Accompanying her daughter back home. |
Pilot | Responsible for operating the aircraft. |
Co-Pilot | Assisted in flight operations. |
Doctor | Provided medical care during the flight. |
Paramedic | Assisted with medical needs onboard. |
All six were Mexican citizens.
Impact on the Ground
The crash had a catastrophic impact on the ground:
- Fires and Damage: The explosion from the crash ignited multiple fires, affecting several homes and vehicles in the vicinity.
- Injuries: Six individuals on the ground were hospitalized with varying degrees of burn injuries. Three were treated and released the same day, while the remaining three were admitted in fair condition.
Witness Accounts
Eyewitnesses provided harrowing accounts of the incident:
- Jim Quinn, whose doorbell camera captured the explosion, stated, “All we heard was a loud roar and didn’t know where it was coming from. We just turned around and saw the big plume.”
- Vadim Osipov, a nearby resident, described the scene: “It was a big ball of fire that went up into the sky and the whole gas station just started shaking.”
Official Responses
In the aftermath of the crash:
- Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker addressed the media, stating that officials could not yet provide a definitive number of fatalities and urged residents to avoid the area.
- Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro commended the efforts of first responders and emphasized the state’s commitment to supporting the affected community.
Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have initiated a thorough investigation into the cause of the crash.
Preliminary data indicates that the aircraft climbed to approximately 1,650 feet before descending rapidly at a rate of around 11,000 feet per minute. Weather conditions at the time included light rain and fog, which may have been contributing factors.
This tragic event has left a profound impact on both the local community in Philadelphia and the families of the victims.
As investigations continue, authorities are focused on uncovering the factors that led to this devastating crash, with the hope of preventing such incidents in the future.