A small medical jet carrying six people crashed into a residential neighbourhood in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening, killing everyone on board and sparking fires that damaged homes and vehicles.
The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, had just departed Northeast Philadelphia Airport around 6:07 pm EST en route to Springfield, Missouri, when it crashed near Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue.
Moments later, flames engulfed several townhomes, and debris struck vehicles, sending emergency crews racing to the scene.
Philadelphia police said that there were no survivors from the aircraft.
Several people on the ground were injured, though none suffered life-threatening injuries.
Temple University Hospital reported treating six people, with three discharged and three remaining in “fair condition.”
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy identified the six victims as four crew members, a young patient from Mexico, and a family member.
The girl had recently completed treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital and was heading home when the crash occurred.
"It's extremely hard and extremely difficult. Those that were involved directly in her care were very aware that she was going to be traveling home, and there had actually been a sendoff for her today," said Mel Bower, a Shriners spokesperson.
“When tragedy strikes, it hits all of us deeply.”
Bower clarified that the two doctors aboard the flight were employed by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, not Shriners.
Mexican Foreign Ministry in a translated statement confirmed that all six aboard were Mexican.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance said it would not release names until families are notified.
The crash site is in a densely populated area near the Roosevelt Mall, and it erupted into chaos as fires spread through multiple townhomes.
Ring doorbell footage captured the jet’s descent, followed by an explosion.
Firefighters battled flames for hours while police urged residents to avoid the “active scene.”
“Do not touch any debris, call 911 immediately,” asked Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker during a late-night news conference.
Parker confirmed federal and state agencies had joined the response but offered no details on fatalities, asking instead for “prayers for all affected.”
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro praised the community’s resilience.
“In the face of horror, we saw neighbours helping neighbours,” said Shapiro at the late-night news conference.
“This is the best of Philadelphia.”
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash, with support from the Federal Aviation Administration.
Officials have not speculated on the cause but confirmed the plane’s short flight time.
"So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," said President Donald Trump in a social media post.
"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."
State Representative Jared Solomon described “hundreds of brave responders sprinting toward danger” to protect residents.
Residents near the crash site face a long recovery.
Parker pointed out “significant damage” to homes and vehicles, though no evacuations were ordered.
The Red Cross and local charities mobilized to assist displaced families.
As night fell Friday, vigils sprouted across the neighbourhood near fire-damaged streets.
For Shriners staff, the loss of their young patient, whose name remains private, left a haunting void.
“She was family,” said Bower.
“We’ll remember her joy today, even as we grieve.”
