First responders at the scene of a small plane crash in Philadelphia on Friday, January 31, 2025. AP Photo
A medical transport jet carrying a child patient and five others crashed in a Philadelphia neighborhood on Friday evening, shortly after taking off. The jet exploded in a fireball, damaging several homes. The plane, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was en route to Springfield, Missouri, when it crashed just minutes after departing Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
The plane was carrying a child patient, another passenger, and four crew members. Jet Rescue confirmed that they could not provide information on any survivors but expressed concern for the families of those involved. The company stated, "Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our personnel, their families, and other victims that may have been hurt on the ground."
At a news conference, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed that several homes and vehicles had been damaged but did not immediately release information about any fatalities. The crash site remains under investigation, and emergency responders continue to secure the area.
This crash occurred just two days after a tragic midair collision in Washington, D.C., which resulted in the deaths of 64 people. The American Airlines jet collided with an Army helicopter, marking one of the deadliest air disasters in recent U.S. history.
Witnesses to the Philadelphia crash reported hearing a loud roar and then seeing a bright white streak followed by an explosion. "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," said Jim Quinn, the owner of a doorbell camera that captured the plane’s descent.
The plane, a Learjet 55, disappeared from radar shortly after taking off at 6:06 p.m. It was climbing to an altitude of 1,600 feet before crashing less than three miles from the airport. The aircraft, registered to Med Jets, was on a flight path to Missouri when it lost contact.
President Donald Trump expressed his condolences on social media, calling the crash "so sad" and referring to the loss of "more innocent souls."
Gov. Josh Shapiro also offered his support, saying, “We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly.”
As emergency responders worked, police cars and fire trucks flooded the scene, blocking off the surrounding area. The crash took place near Roosevelt Mall, in the Rhawnhurst neighborhood, where the explosion created a chaotic scene. A cell phone video taken by a witness showed debris scattered across the intersection, with flames and black smoke rising into the sky.
Michael Schiavone, a nearby resident, described hearing a loud bang followed by a shake in his house. "It felt like a mini earthquake," he said. His home security footage showed what appeared to be a missile falling from the sky, making him initially think they were under attack.
The jet, owned by Jet Rescue, is a company that provides global air ambulance services. In the past, the company has transported high-profile patients, such as baseball legend David Ortiz in 2019 after he was shot in the Dominican Republic. It also played a role in transporting COVID-19 patients.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash. The NTSB is currently gathering information to determine the cause of the accident.
