Northeast Philadelphia Plane Crash: Medical transport plane carrying 6 crashed on Friday, killing all aboard, untold number of injuries on the ground

A medical transport jet carrying six people crashed into a commercial and residential area of Northeast Philadelphia Friday night, sending a fireball into the sky, damaging multiple homes and cars, and leaving a devastating scene near Roosevelt Mall.

All six passengers on board were killed, including a young girl who had just been treated at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philly. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that all six victims were Mexican nationals.

At least seven people on the ground were injured, and an emergency shelter has been set up for those displaced by the crash and resulting fires.

What Happened?

• The Learjet 55, a private medical transport aircraft, took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport just after 6 p.m.
• Within a minute, it nosedived into the area near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard.
• Witnesses captured video of a massive fireball and thick black smoke rising from the crash site.

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Who Was Injured?

• Seven people on the ground were treated at Temple medical facilities.
• Six were taken to Temple University Hospital’s Jeanes Campus, treated, and released by Saturday morning.
• One patient remains hospitalized at Temple University Hospital’s Main Campus in fair condition.

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Damage to Homes and Cars

The impact and resulting fires led to:

• Fires in six homes on the 7200 block of Calvert Street.
• Between six and eight cars burned in the aftermath.

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Emergency Shelter for Displaced Residents

• A shelter has been set up at Samuel Fels High School (5500 Langdon St.) for those who lost their homes or cannot return due to damage.

What Did Air Traffic Controllers Say?

After the jet stopped responding to radio communications, an air traffic controller attempted to reach them:

“Medievac Medservice 056 Northeast Tower, are you on frequency?”

After radio silence, another pilot asked what happened.

“We have a lost aircraft. We’re not exactly sure what happened, so we’re trying to figure it out. For now, the field is going to be closed. So no inbounds or outbounds.”

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Road Closures in the Crash Area

• Cottman Avenue between Bustleton and Brous Avenues
• Roosevelt Boulevard outer lanes from Rhawn Street to Tyson Avenue
• Saint Vincent Street between Bustleton and Castor Avenues

Current Status of Roosevelt Mall

• The mall is currently closed at the request of authorities.
• No injuries have been reported on mall property.

Official Responses

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker called the situation “all hands on deck”, asking for the city’s prayers and urging residents to avoid the crash area.

State Rep. Jared Solomon praised first responders:

“Northeast Philadelphia is a community of neighbors who care about each other. In a time of profound tragedy, I was inspired to witness hundreds of our first responders sprinting towards danger to ensure the safety of our neighborhood.”

What’s Next?

• NTSB investigators were on site Saturday morning, and more details are expected in the coming days.
• The cause of the crash remains unknown.
• Officials will continue assessing damage and assisting displaced residents.

Final Thoughts

This is a heartbreaking tragedy for Philadelphia, Northeast residents, and the families of those on board. The only small solace is that the crash missed an even more populated area, preventing what could have been a larger catastrophe.

Our thoughts are with those affected—the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating event.

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