Tragedy struck a busy Philadelphia neighborhood when a jet crashed, killing seven people and injuring 22 others. The incident occurred as a Mexico-bound air ambulance, carrying six individuals, including a young girl who had been receiving treatment at a city hospital, went down shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
The crash resulted in significant damage to at least 11 homes and some businesses in the area. One victim lost their life inside a car due to debris from the Learjet 55 explosion that spread into the neighborhood.
Authorities are actively investigating the crash, with the National Transportation Safety Board recovering the jet's cockpit voice recorder and ground proximity warning system at the impact site. The investigation is ongoing, and officials are gathering information from residents in the neighborhood.
This tragic event comes just days after another devastating air disaster in Washington, D.C., involving an American Airlines jet and an Army helicopter.
The community of Castor Gardens, where the crash occurred, is described as a working-class area with dense row homes and heavy traffic. State Rep. Jared Solomon highlighted the unity and willingness to help others that define the neighborhood.
The child on board the plane had recently completed treatment at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia hospital, and her mother, along with four crew members, also lost their lives in the crash. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that all six victims were Mexican nationals.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the operator of the ill-fated plane, has not disclosed the identities of the deceased. The names of the victims from Mexico will be released by the Mexican consulate at an appropriate time.
As investigations continue and debris is collected from the crash site, the community mourns the loss of lives and supports those injured in the tragic incident.
