Small medevac jet carrying pediatric patient crashes near Philadelphia mall, unleashing fireball with multiple casualties reported
A small medevac jet carrying six people, including a pediatric patient and her mother, crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood on Friday, resulting in multiple casualties and causing a massive explosion that lit up the night sky.
A Learjet 55 out of Northeast Philadelphia Airport was headed to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri when it plunged to the ground shortly after taking off, according to the Federal Aviation Administration.
The child had just received “life-saving treatment” and was heading home to Mexico with her mother, a doctor, paramedic, pilot and copilot, Shai Gold, spokesman for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the company that owns the aircraft, told The Post.
“At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors,” Jet Rescue Air Ambulance said in a statement.
Flight data showed the small jet taking off from the airport at 6:06 p.m. and reaching an altitude of 1,625 feet before plummeting a minute later, according to FlightRadar24.
The plane went down in a residential area near Cottoman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard – just over three miles from the airport – and caused a large explosion that set multiple homes and cars on fire, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said.
“As of right now, we have no reports on the number of fatalities,” Parker told reporters Friday night.
“So right now, we’re just asking for prayers for any and everyone who may have been affected.”