Medical Plane Carrying Child Patient Crashes in Philadelphia, Setting Homes Ablaze

TDT | Manama
Email : editor@newsofbahrain.com

A medical transport jet carrying a child patient, her mother, and four others crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood shortly after takeoff on Friday evening, January 31. The aircraft exploded on impact, igniting a massive fire that engulfed multiple homes.

Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the operator of the Learjet 55, confirmed the crash and stated, "We cannot confirm any survivors." Authorities have yet to determine whether there were fatalities on the ground.

According to Jet Rescue spokesperson Shai Gold, all six passengers aboard the aircraft were from Mexico. The child, who had been receiving treatment in Philadelphia for a life-threatening condition, was being transported home to Tijuana, with a scheduled stop in Missouri.

The flight crew consisted of four experienced professionals, alongside the child and her mother. Gold emphasized that the crew was well-trained, as is standard protocol for such critical medical transport missions.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, addressing the media late Friday, described the crash as an “awful aviation disaster” and indicated that fatalities were expected. “We know that there will be loss,” he stated solemnly.

The Learjet 55 was registered in Mexico, and Jet Rescue Air Ambulance operates both in Mexico and the United States. Authorities are currently investigating the cause of the crash as emergency teams continue their efforts at the crash site.