Philadelphia, PA – A medical transport jet carrying six people crashed into a densely populated neighborhood near Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening. The number of casualties remains unclear as authorities continue their investigation.
Crash Details
The Learjet 55 went down at approximately 6:30 PM local time (11:30 PM GMT), just minutes after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the flight was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri before continuing to Mexico.
Initially, the FAA reported two people were onboard, but later updated the figure to six. The plane was conducting a medical transport mission, carrying a child patient, her mother, and four crew members. The Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that all six onboard were Mexican nationals.
Impact on the Ground
The crash resulted in injuries to six people on the ground. A spokesperson from Temple University Hospital’s Jeanes Campus stated that three of those injured had been treated and released, while the conditions of the remaining three remain unknown. Several homes and vehicles caught fire due to the crash, and debris was scattered across multiple streets and rooftops.
Road Closures and Emergency Response
Emergency services remain on-site, and several roads are closed, including:
- Bustleton Ave to Brous Ave
- Roosevelt Boulevard’s outer lanes from Rhawn St to Tyson Ave
- Saint Vincent St between Bustleton Ave and Castor Ave
Authorities have warned that these closures “may be lengthy.” A temporary shelter for those affected by the crash has been set up at Samuel Fels High School.
Investigation Underway
The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board NTSB have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. Officials have not yet confirmed if there are survivors among those onboard.
As daylight reveals the full extent of the destruction, emergency responders continue recovery efforts. Further updates will follow as more information becomes available.
