A medevac plane crashed in Philadelphia on Friday with a child and five others on board, informed to the air ambulance company that operated the flight, adding that it had not confirmed any survivors. Governor Josh Shapiro announced that all available state resources are being deployed to assist in the response. According to Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the aircraft crashed with one pediatric medical patient, the patient’s escort and four crew members on board.
The crash occurred less than three miles from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, which serves primarily business jets and charter flights. Early photos from the site show nearby residential homes on fire. At least one house and several cars were engulfed in flames, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer. The crash occurred during cold, rainy weather with low visibility.
Philadelphia’s emergency management office reported a “major incident” at the crash location, and roads in the area have been closed. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote on social media that “there were reportedly 6 people on board.”
The air ambulance had departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, roughly 1,100 miles (1,800 km) to the southwest, according to a statement from the FAA.
The FAA issued a ground stop at Northeast Philadelphia Airport due to “an aircraft incident.” Flight data revealed that the Learjet 55 took off from the airport at 6:06 pm. before disappearing from radar shortly after climbing to 1,600 feet. A photo shared by the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management showed thick smoke rising near Roosevelt Mall, where first responders were managing traffic and crowds gathered.
The plane crashed in a busy intersection near the Roosevelt Mall, a shopping center in the residential Rhawnhurst neighborhood. The FAA confirmed that two people were aboard the aircraft, which was en route to Springfield, Missouri, and appears to have been a medical transport jet. The plane was registered to Med Jets, a medical transport company.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the crash.
President Trump offers condolences
President Donald Trump also took it to social media to express his condolences over the tragic incident and said, “so sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged. First Responders are already being given credit for doing a great job.”