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A mid-size air ambulance plane carrying a sick child and five others crashed on Friday night shortly after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, plowing into a residential area and setting off at least six house fires.
The crash occurred in the Northeast part of the city around 6:10 p.m, a city statement read. A medical transportation jet carrying a mother, daughter and four crew members were killed. One person who sustained injuries on the ground died.
The Learjet 55 aircraft was operated by Mexico-based air ambulance company Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.
The Mexican government said all those on the plane were Mexican nationals. Nineteen people sustained on-the-ground injuries.
The child was a girl on her way home with a final destination of Tijuana, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance told CNN.
Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro told a press conference at the crash scene that “we know there will be loss in this region”.
President Donald Trump wrote on social media that it was “so sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost.”
People could have evidence from crash on their cars
Mayor Cherelle Parker wants city residents in the neighborhood where the crash occurred to check their cars for evidence.
The collection of evidence is essential to figuring out what happened, Parker said.
“If that’s you, don’t touch it. Just call 911 immediately,” Parker said.
The debris field is roughly four to six blocks and there is an additional remote area where “something” happened with the aircraft, the city’s Managing Director Adam Thiel said.
Thiel wouldn’t expand on his remark but said the National Transportation Safety Board would address it later.
Michelle Del Rey1 February 2025 18:16
Anyone concerned about a missing loved one is encouraged to call 911
Anyone who thinks that their friends or relatives were in the area where the crash occurred should notify authorities, Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Thiel said.
Michelle Del Rey1 February 2025 18:10
Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Thiel says it could be days or more before total number of casualties is known
There are a lot of unknowns about the number of people on the streets when the incident occurred, Thiel said during a news conference.
“It will likely be days or more until we are able to definitively answer the question about the number of folks who perished in this tragedy,” he said, explaining how he anticipates the number of casualties will change.
Michelle Del Rey1 February 2025 17:56
In photos: The scene on Saturday
Michelle Del Rey1 February 2025 17:20
Mayor Cherelle L Parker confirms seven dead, 19 injured
Seven people are confirmed dead and 19 injured after a plane crashed in North Philadelphia Friday.
Parker confirmed the development in a social media post. Six of the deceased were on board the aircraft while one individual was in a car.
Several dwellings and vehicles sustained damage in the crash. Local officials are working with state and federal partners to determine the cause of the incident.
“Much more work needs to be done. Please stay home and safe,” Parker said.
Michelle Del Rey1 February 2025 17:06
Mexican president responds to crash
“I regret the death of six Mexicans in the plane crash in Philadelphia,” Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo said in a social media statement Saturday morning.
“The consular authorities are in contact with victims’ families. I’ve asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs secretary to support them in whatever way is required.
“My solidarity to their loved ones and friends.”
Michelle Del Rey1 February 2025 16:50
Four people spent Friday night at Philadelphia shelter
The Red Cross is currently running an emergency shelter close to the site of the plane crash. It said four people spent the evening there on Friday.
The charity is asking individuals not to bring material donations to the facility.
“We understand people want to help and appreciate the support. Right now, the Red Cross has what it needs to support the community,” the organization said.
“We ask that you not bring material donations such as clothing or food to the shelter. We’re working to identify partners to handle donations.”
Michelle Del Rey1 February 2025 16:30
Emergency shelter open across the street from site
A shelter has been opened at Samuel Fels High School at 5500 Langdon Street in Northeast Philadelphia.
The facility is being operated with the Office of Emergency Management and the American Red Cross to assist those who’ve been displaced by the incident.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L Parker said the crash impacted several dwellings in the area.
“Southeastern Pennsylvania Red Cross disaster workers are there to assist anyone who’s been displaced by this tragedy,” a statement said.
“People have already begun using the shelter – and we encourage anyone who needs this service to avail themselves.”
Michelle Del Rey1 February 2025 15:50
Philadelphia mayor releases statement
“Our prayers are with the families, friends, neighbors and all of those impacted by the tragic crash,” said Mayor Cherelle L Parker
“We are unified in our approach – a One Philly philosophy with all hands-on deck. I am so grateful for the rapid response by our Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments, our Office of Emergency Management and Philadelphia Gas Works with federal, state, and local first responders who swarmed the scene in collaboration with all first responders on the ground.”
The plane had been heading to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri before continuing to Mexico, where the child lived.
The aircraft was in the air for a minute before it crashed. Nine people on the ground were hurt, with several being taken to a nearby hospital. None of the six people on board the aircraft survived.
“This is a tragedy in our city – people have lost their lives and many injured in this horrific crash and the damage is significant,” Parker added.
Michelle Del Rey1 February 2025 15:30
WATCH: Philadelphia man describes helping injured child on the ground
Michelle Del Rey1 February 2025 15:20