On January 31, 2025, an aviation accident occurred in Northeast Philadelphia. The Jet Rescue Air Ambulance-operated Learjet 55 aircraft crashed soon after it took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at around 6:22 PM EST. The jet was on a path to Tijuana International Airport, Mexico, with a planned refueling stop at Missouri’s Springfield-Branson National Airport.
One passenger alongside the plane included her mother and a young female patient as well as her four crew members. Due to the explosion of a few cars and houses, including the damage to the Roosevelt Mall, all the passengers including the 6 people onboard the plane, died. Six people in the neighborhood were taken to the hospital as they sufferered extreme burns along with skin damage. Of these, three were treated and released while the rest still require aftercare.
NTSB and FAA have started their investigations into the cause of this crash. The aircraft’s initial data suggests it achieved an altitude of 1650 feet before it vanished off radar 30 seconds after takeoff, and then began its descent at a rate of 11000 feet per minute. It was garneted by moderate rain, overcast conditions, fog, and wind of around 30 mph.
In response to the incident, the Philadelphia Police Department and the Office of Emergency Management diverted traffic from the area and asked civilians to steer clear of the location. Josh Shapiro, along with state officials, ensured that all state aid would be provided in the appropriate manner for the response.
https://nypost.com/2025/01/31/us-news/medevac-plane-crash-victim-idd-as-young-girl-headed-home-to-mexico-after-life-saving-treatment-in-us/
https://www.politico.com/news/2025/01/31/small-plane-philadelphia-00201923
https://people.com/plane-crash-near-roosevelt-mall-in-philadelphia-multiple-casualties-reported-8784323