Photo: Matthew Hatcher / Getty Images News / Getty Images
A tragic plane crash in Philadelphia on Friday (January 31) resulted in the deaths of seven people, including six aboard the aircraft and one person on the ground. The medevac jet, carrying a child patient, her mother, two medical personnel, and two pilots—all Mexican nationals—crashed shortly after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The plane was en route to Missouri before heading to Mexico.
The crash occurred near Roosevelt Mall, just minutes after takeoff, causing a massive explosion and fire that engulfed several blocks. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed that one person on the ground was killed while inside a vehicle. At least 19 others were injured, with some receiving treatment at local hospitals.
Philadelphia Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson reported that five fires erupted following the crash, all of which have been extinguished. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are leading the investigation into the crash.
The aircraft, a Learjet 55 operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was contracted by a third-party charitable organization to transport the child home to Tijuana, Mexico. Philadelphia officials are urging residents to report any debris they find and to stay away from the crash site.
President Donald Trump expressed his condolences to the victims' families, acknowledging the efforts of first responders. The crash comes just days after another tragic aviation accident near Washington, D.C.