The black box has been recovered from the medical jet that crashed in northeast Philadelphia on Friday, killing seven people, including all six passengers on board.
The device was found eight feet underground at the crash site near the Roosevelt Mall, the National Transportation Safety Board said on Sunday evening. The black box – also known as a cockpit voice recorder – remained in “decent shape,” sources told WPVI. The plane’s enhanced ground proximity warning system, which may contain flight data, was also recovered, the NTSB said.
The Learjet 55 aircraft crashed on Friday night shortly after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at around 6:10 p.m., plowing into a residential area and setting off at least six house fires. The six passengers, including a sick child, traveling on the mid-size air ambulance have been identified.
Captain Alan Perales and co-pilot Josue Juarez were flying the aircraft, which was transporting the young patient Valentina Murillo and her mother Lizeth Ozuna to Tijuana, Rescue Air Ambulance, who was operating the flight, told CBS News.
Dr. Raul Arredondo and paramedic Rodrigo Padilla were also on board to care for Murillo, who had just completed life-saving treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital.
Key Points
- Black box found eight-feet underground at crash site
- All crew and passengers of Learjet 55 identified
- Pediatric patient and her mom among the seven killed in fiery Philadelphia plane crash
- Everything we know about the Learjet air ambulance crash in Philadelphia
Five bystanders hospitalized, three in critical condition
10:57 , James LiddellFive of the 22 people injured on the ground when the Learjet 55 crashed near the Roosevelt Mall on Friday are in hospital, according to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.
Three of those are in critical condition, she said.
None of the six people on board the medical jet survived. An additional person on the ground was also killed – bringing the death toll to seven, officials said.
Police work to reopen roads
10:25 , James LiddellPhiladelphia Police have been working to reopen roads around the crash site.
The outer lanes of the Roosevelt Boulevard have been reopened in both directions, according to a statement from the Philadelphia mayor’s office on Sunday.
Cottman Avenue remains closed due to the National Transportation Safety Board’s active investigation into the cause of the accident.
Delays are expected on surrounding roads, the statement read.
'70 percent of her body is burnt'
09:54 , James LiddellA family member of one of the 22 people injured – along with seven killed – during Friday’s plane crash has spoken out.
Dominque Fletcher was in the car with her partner and his son while driving the Roosevelt Mall on Cottman Avenue when the Learjet 55 aircraft crashed in a fireball shortly after taking off on Friday evening.
The victim’s 33-year-old cousin, Shentelle Fletcher, has revealed the extent of the woman’s injuries.
“She is in a medically induced coma,” she told NBC10 on Sunday.
“Seventy percent of her body is burnt. She’s responding well to medication. She has surgery scheduled for today."
Watch: Aerial footage shows aftermath of horror crash
09:32 , James LiddellBlack box found eight-feet underground at crash site
09:08 , James LiddellThe black box has been recovered from the medical jet that crashed in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday, killing all six passengers on board.
The device was found eight feet underground at the crash site near the Roosevelt Mall, the National Transportation Safety Board said on Sunday evening.
The black box – also known as a cockpit voice recorder – remained in “decent shape,” sources told WPVI. The plane’s enhanced ground proximity warning system, containing flight data, was also recovered, the NTSB said.
Listen: Audio of air traffic control response released
07:00 , Katie HawkinsonFormer NTSB investigator says 'fragmentation' will make investigation hard
05:00 , Katie HawkinsonFormer NTSB investigator Dr. Alan Diehl tells Fox News the search for answers in the Philadelphia plane crash may prove difficult due to “fragmentation.”
“The cockpit voice recorder will be critical,” Diehl said.
“[The investigation] will be very difficult if that voice recorder is not intact, or they can’t find it,” he added, noting it “should have” survived the impact but that the violent nature of the crash could make the search difficult.
ICYMI: NTSB speaks on investigating two major incidents
03:00 , Michelle Del ReyNTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy stressed it is not unusual for the agency to be investigating two major accidents at once. “We are a highly-skilled agency,” she said during a news briefing in Philadelphia Saturday.
The NTSB has 436 employees spanning across all modes of transportation. The agency has two separate teams of investigators probing crashes in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. at the respective scenes.
Full story: What we know so far as Learjet air ambulance comes down in huge explosion near Philadelphia mall
01:00 , Katie HawkinsonHere’s everything we know so far about the Philadelphia plane crash, from The Independent’s Mike Bedigan and Namita Singh:
Plane crash in Philadelphia: What we know after Learjet goes down in huge explosion
Former NTSB investigator says 'fragmentation' will make investigation hard
Sunday 2 February 2025 23:00 , Katie HawkinsonFormer NTSB investigator Dr. Alan Diehl tells Fox News the search for answers in the Philadelphia plane crash may prove difficult due to “fragmentation.”
“The cockpit voice recorder will be critical,” Diehl said.
Officials are still searching for the device as of Sunday.
“[The investigation] will be very difficult if that voice recorder is not intact, or they can’t find it,” he added, noting it “should have” survived the impact but that the violent nature of the crash could make the search difficult.
Full story: Pediatric patient and her mother among the seven killed in fiery Philadelphia plane crash
Sunday 2 February 2025 21:30 , Mike BediganA young girl traveling home after completing “life-saving” medical treatment, her mother, and at least one medical professional were on board when an air ambulance fell out of the sky and crashed into a residential Philadelphia neighborhood.
Seven people in total have now been confirmed dead, with 19 more injured, following the shocking incident on Friday evening. Several dwellings and vehicles sustained damage in the crash.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum later confirmed that all six people onboard the flight, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, were Mexican citizens. The seventh person killed was on the ground.
Keep reading:
Philadelphia plane crash: What we know so far as Learjet air ambulance comes down in huge explosion near mall
Sunday 2 February 2025 20:30 , Mike Bedigan, Namita SinghPlane crash in Philadelphia: What we know after Learjet goes down in huge explosion
Philadelphia residents react to crash
Sunday 2 February 2025 19:30 , Katie HawkinsonPhiladelphia residents are shaken up after the fatal crash of a Learjet 55 on Friday evening.
A resident named Lena told Fox29 the sound “was terrible.”
“In my life I never heard this kind of sound,” Lena told the outlet. “My ears are still buzzing. I was driving five minutes before. I could’ve been here if I had been driving."
Another resident, Angelique, said the crash happened on her niece’s daily route to and from work.
“Just imagine, she got off late yesterday,” Angelique told Fox29. “If she hadn’t got off late yesterday, she could’ve been in this.”
Watch: Philadelphia plane crash caught on Ring video
Sunday 2 February 2025 18:30 , Katie HawkinsonICYMI: Authorities identify six people on board jet
Sunday 2 February 2025 17:30 , Katie HawkinsonAuthorities have identified all six people who were on board the Learjet 55 that crashed on Friday evening in Philadelphia less than a minute after taking off.
Captain Alan Alejandro Montoya Perales and Copilot Josue de Jesus Juarez Juarez were flying the aircraft, which was transporting the young patient Valentina Guzman Murillo and her mother Lizeth Murillo Ozuna to Tijuana.
Dr. Raul Meza Arredondo and paramedic Rodrigo Lopez Padilla were also on board to care for Valentina, who had just completed life-saving treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital.
"It's extremely hard and extremely difficult, those that were involved directly in her care were very aware that she was going to be traveling home and there had actually been a sendoff for her today," hospital spokesperson Mel Bower said in a statement.
Aerial footage shows gaping crater and debris scattered across street
Sunday 2 February 2025 16:30 , Katie HawkinsonInvestigators continue search for black box
Sunday 2 February 2025 15:30 , Katie HawkinsonInvestigators are still searching for the black box from the Learjet 55 that crashed on Friday evening less than a minute after taking off.
"It could be intact," National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said. "But likely it is damaged. It may be fragmented."
Resources for Philadelphia residents, crash witnesses
Sunday 2 February 2025 14:44 , Katie HawkinsonAccording to Fox29, those who need help in the wake of the deadly crash can contact the Red Cross's free, 24/7, multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
Mental health services are also available through Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services. Call (215) 685-6440 or visit DBHIDS.org.
The Disaster Distress (DDH) Helpline is also available: 1-800-985-5990.
Residents should not touch any debris they find, Fox 29 reports. To report debris, contact the National Transportation Safety Board at: witness@ntsb.gov.
Nearby hospital provides update on injured victims
Sunday 2 February 2025 14:30 , Katie HawkinsonFifteen of the 19 people injured in the crash are being treated at Philadelphia’s Jefferson Health, Fox 29 reports.
Twelve of them have been discharged, two were admitted for further care and one has been transferred to another hospital, a spokesperson for Jefferson Health said Sunday.
People could have evidence from crash on their cars
Sunday 2 February 2025 14:00 , Michelle Del ReyMayor Cherelle Parker wants city residents in the neighborhood where the crash occurred to check their cars for evidence.
The collection of evidence is essential to figuring out what happened, Parker said.
“If that’s you, don’t touch it. Just call 911 immediately,” Parker said.
The debris field is roughly four to six blocks and there is an additional remote area where “something” happened with the aircraft, the city’s Managing Director Adam Thiel said.
Thiel wouldn’t expand on his remark but said the National Transportation Safety Board would address it later.
Full crew and passengers of Learjet 55 named
Sunday 2 February 2025 13:00 , Mike BediganThe entire crew and passengers on board the Learjet 55 that crashed in Philadelphia have been identified by the aircraft’s operating company Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.
The young girl was named as Valentina Guzman Murillo, and had been traveling with her mother, Lizeth Murillo Ozuna.
The plane was piloted by Captain Alan Montoya Perales, along with his copilot Josue Juarez.
Also onboard was Dr Raul Meza Arredon, and Rodrigo Lopez Padilla, a paramedic.
About 70 people remain without power
Sunday 2 February 2025 12:00 , Michelle Del ReyAbout 70 people remain without power in the area surrounding the crash site, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
PECO, the area’s energy provider, said it would be working to restore electricity once emergency officials determine it is safe to do so.
The number is lower than the initial 250 people who were without power just after the incident.
What damage was caused in the area?
Sunday 2 February 2025 11:00 , Michelle Del ReyCBS Philadelphia reports that multiple cars in the area werre by parts of the plane. Businesses in the area were also ablaze on Friday night.
Roads in the area were closed for hours with people advised to avoid the area. One local resident told CBS: “I just was driving and I saw a lot of police activity and then people texting me. I was close here and that there was a plane crash. And my daughter who GPS'd me, freaked, called me and was making sure that I was OK,” Jimmy Weis said.
A 10-year-old boy said he was returning from hockey when the horror unfolded.“I saw blinking lights coming from the sky. And I just saw them going down. It was really scary.”
Pictures released of medical staff killed in the crash
Sunday 2 February 2025 10:17 , Holly EvansPictures have been released of the pilot and co-pilot of the mid-size air ambulance plane which crashed in Philadelphia, killing all onboard.
Air traffic control audio describes moments leading to Philadelphia air ambulance crash
Sunday 2 February 2025 10:00 , Namita Singh
Air traffic control audio describes moments leading to Philadelphia plane crash
Philadelphia mayor releases statement
Sunday 2 February 2025 07:00 , Michelle Del Rey“Our prayers are with the families, friends, neighbors and all of those impacted by the tragic crash,” said Mayor Cherelle L Parker
“We are unified in our approach – a One Philly philosophy with all hands-on deck. I am so grateful for the rapid response by our Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments, our Office of Emergency Management and Philadelphia Gas Works with federal, state, and local first responders who swarmed the scene in collaboration with all first responders on the ground.”
The plane had been heading to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri before continuing to Mexico, where the child lived.
The aircraft was in the air for a minute before it crashed. Nine people on the ground were hurt, with several being taken to a nearby hospital. None of the six people on board the aircraft survived.
“This is a tragedy in our city – people have lost their lives and many injured in this horrific crash and the damage is significant,” Parker added.
Shriners Children's Philadelphia releases statement
Sunday 2 February 2025 06:00 , Michelle Del ReyThe hospital said one of its pediatric patients and the child’s mother were aboard the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance that crashed in Philadelphia last night.
The hospital couldn’t provide additional details because of patient privacy concerns.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the medical crew and pilots who were also lost in this tragic event - as well as all of the people who were affected on the ground - and we’re thankful to the first responders for their quick action.”
Donald Trump mourns plane crash victims
Sunday 2 February 2025 05:00 , Namita SinghPresident Donald Trump took to social media to mourn the victims of plane crash.
"So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," he wrote on Truth Social. "More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged. First Responders are already being given credit for doing a great job."
The crash follows this week's collision of an American Airlines jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, DS, which killed 67 in the deadliest airplane crash in the US since 2009.
The Federal Aviation Administration said six people were on the Learjet 55 that crashed around 6.30pm on Friday.
Local media reported it was near the Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia and that there were multiple injuries on the ground.
Mexican president responds to crash
Sunday 2 February 2025 04:00 , Michelle Del Rey“I regret the death of six Mexicans in the plane crash in Philadelphia,” Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo said in a social media statement Saturday morning.
“The consular authorities are in contact with victims’ families. I’ve asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs secretary to support them in whatever way is required.
“My solidarity to their loved ones and friends.”
Breaking: Full crew and passengers of Learjet 55 named
Sunday 2 February 2025 03:42 , Mike BediganThe entire crew and passengers on board the Learjet 55 that crashed in Philadelphia have been identified by the aircraft’s operating company Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.
The young girl was named as Valentina Guzman Murillo, and had been traveling with her mother, Lizeth Murillo Ozuna.
The plane was piloted by Captain Alan Montoya Perales, along with his copilot Josue Juarez.
Also onboard was Dr Raul Meza Arredon, and Rodrigo Lopez Padilla, a paramedic.
In photos: The scene on Saturday
Sunday 2 February 2025 03:00 , Michelle Del Rey
Anyone concerned about a missing loved one is encouraged to call 911
Sunday 2 February 2025 02:00 , Michelle Del ReyAnyone who thinks that their friends or relatives were in the area where the crash occurred should notify authorities, Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Thiel said.
Pediatric patient and her mother among the seven killed in fiery Philadelphia plane crash
Sunday 2 February 2025 01:00 , Michelle Del ReyA young girl traveling home after completing “life-saving” medical treatment, her mother, and at least one medical professional were on board when an air ambulance fell out of the sky and crashed into a residential Philadelphia neighborhood.
Seven people in total have now been confirmed dead, with 19 more injured, following the shocking incident on Friday evening. Several dwellings and vehicles sustained damage in the crash.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum later confirmed that all six people onboard the flight, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, were Mexican citizens. The seventh person killed was on the ground.
Read more from Mike Bedigan...
WATCH: Philadelphia man describes helping injured child on the ground
Saturday 1 February 2025 15:20 , Michelle Del Rey“I don’t record. I help”
— Chris O'Connell (@CoconnellFox29) February 1, 2025
Philly man describes how he helped some of the injured on the ground after last nights medical transport plane crash in NE Philadelphia . All 6 onboard killed. No word on yet on how many injuries or fatalities on the ground. @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/WLMbMquHi4
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says he's briefed Trump, Pennsylvania governor after crash
Saturday 1 February 2025 14:53 , Michelle Del Rey“Just briefed the President and Governor Shapiro from FAA headquarters,” Duffy wrote on X. “I offered the full support of the US Department of Transportation to the Governor and local officials.”
Philadelphia Eagles express condolences
Saturday 1 February 2025 18:42 , Michelle Del Rey“The Eagles organization was heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of life earlier this evening as a result of the plane crash in North East Philadelphia,” the team said in a social media statement.
“We extend our condolences to the victims and loved ones they leave behind. We are grateful to the first responders for their heroic actions at the scene.”
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) February 1, 2025
