Scene of the January 31, 2025, medical jet crash on January 31, 2025. Photo: Internet Source

On Friday, January 31, 2025, a medical transport jet crashed shortly after takeoff, engulfing homes and vehicles in flames in Northeast Philadelphia. Photo: NPR

According to reports, the Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was carrying six individuals, including four crew members, a pediatric patient, and her mother, when it crashed near the Roosevelt Mall around 6:30 p.m. local time after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. 

Young girl just received life-saving treatment

The jet was on its way to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, with the ultimate destination being Tijuana, Mexico. The patient on board, had received life-saving treatment in Philadelphia.

A spokesperson for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance said the girl’s treatment was sponsored by an international charity. 

One witness told WPVI-TV, "I just saw a plane basically hit the building and it exploded. The sky lit up and I pulled over and basically, it was just real bad around here," one eyewitness told WPVI-TV. 

The impact was likened to an earthquake.

FAA & NTSB to investigate crash

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said they will open investigations into the cause of the crash.

Jet Rescue Air Ambulance issued a statement lamenting the incident, noting, "At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors," and expressing concern for all affected parties, including the patient's family and those potentially hurt on the ground. 

This crash comes just days after a midair collision in Washington, D.C with a domestic American Airlines flight with 64 passengers and crew onboard, and an Army Blackhawk Helicopter. 

There were no survivors, and it has been described as the deadliest midair collision in the United States in over 15 years.