7 dead, at least 19 injured in medical jet crash in Philadelphia

PHILADELPHIA — A small medical jet with six people onboard crashed near a mall in Pennsylvania Friday evening, killing everyone on board and a person on the ground.

On Saturday morning, the president of Mexico, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, confirmed in a post on X that all six people on the plane died.

The translation of her post reads, “I regret the death of six Mexicans in the plane crash in Philadelphia. The consular authorities are in permanent contact with the families. I have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support them in whatever way is required. My solidarity with their loved ones and friends.”

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said in a press conference Saturday morning that one person in a car died after the plane crash. At least 19 other people were injured. Parker also confirmed that everyone in the plane were killed.

The Learjet 55 crashed in Northeast Philadelphia near the Roosevelt Mall at around 6:30 p.m., less than a minute after leaving Northeast Philadelphia Airport.

SEE PHOTOS FROM THE CRASH INVESTIGATION

The FAA said the flight was heading for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, with a final destination in Mexico.

A girl who was returning to Mexico after receiving treatment for a life-threatening illness in the U.S. was among the six people on board the flight, according to Shai Gold, spokesman for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance. Others on the plane included the girl’s mother, a pilot, a copilot, a doctor and a paramedic, Gold said.

A source told NBC10 News on Friday night that six people were taken to Temple University Hospital’s Jeanes Campus. They include an 11-year-old boy who suffered head injuries, a 31-year-old man who suffered head injuries and a 30-year-old woman who suffered facial injuries, according to the source.

Three people were treated and released while three others remain in the hospital, the source said.

Multiple homes in the area of the crash caught fire when the plane exploded soon after hitting the ground.

The City of Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management is urging residents to avoid the crash scene. There are several ongoing road closures as officials investigate the cause of the crash.

President Donald Trump issued the following statement on Truth Social:

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. More to follow. God Bless you all.

A spokesperson for the hospital released the following statement Friday night.

Shriners Children’s is heartbroken to confirm that one of our pediatric patients and the child’s mother were aboard the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance that crashed in Philadelphia this evening. The patient had received care from Shriners Children’s Philadelphia and was being transported back to her home country in Mexico on a contracted air ambulance when the crash happened. Because of patient privacy concerns, we cannot say any more about the patient and her family at this time.

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.

The FAA said the National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation into the crash.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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