A medical transport jet operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crashed near Roosevelt Mall in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening, raising concerns due to the company's involvement in a prior fatal crash. The Learjet 55, en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, was carrying two crew members, a medical team of two, and a pediatric patient with her mother, all Mexican nationals. The intended final destination was Tijuana International Airport, with a refueling stop planned in Springfield.
Emergency responders work at the crash site. (Reuters/Rachel Wisniewski)
This incident follows a November 2023 crash involving another Jet Rescue Air Ambulance Learjet, a 35A model, in Cuernavaca, Mexico. That crash, which occurred during landing, claimed the lives of all five crew members on board.
Wreckage from the plane litters the ground. (Reuters/Rachel Wisniewski)
The Philadelphia crash resulted in a significant fire, fueled by jet fuel, which engulfed six homes and six vehicles. While authorities have yet to confirm fatalities, the extensive damage suggests a grim outcome. Company spokesperson Shai Gold expressed doubt about any survivors. Mayor Cherelle Parker also refrained from confirming fatalities at a Friday night press conference.
First responders at the scene of the crash. (Matt Rourke/AP)
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation, assisted by the FAA and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives. U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has briefed President Trump and Governor Shapiro on the situation. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance stated that names of those involved will be withheld until families are notified, emphasizing their concern for the affected families and potential ground victims.
