Medevac Jet Carrying 6 People, Including Child Crashes In Philadelphia

A medevac jet carrying six people crashed in a northeast Philadelphia neighborhood on Friday (January 31), igniting a large fire near homes and the Roosevelt Mall. The Learjet 55, en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, went down shortly after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. ET, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The aircraft, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, had four crew members, a pediatric patient, and the patient's escort on board. As of now, there is no confirmation of survivors. Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker stated that several homes and vehicles were affected, but the total number of fatalities remains unknown.

Witnesses described the scene as a "big ball of fire" and reported hearing a loud explosion. One witness, Mikey Littlejohn, told WPVI, "It shook the entire building."

Several people on the ground were injured and taken to the hospital. A spokesperson for Temple University Hospital-Jeanes Campus told CNN that the hospital received six patients following the crash. Three were treated and have since been released, and the other three are in "fair" condition. 

The crash prompted a significant emergency response, with police and fire crews setting up a perimeter and advising residents to avoid the area. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro has offered state resources to assist in the response.

The crash comes just days after a deadly midair collision between an American Airlines commuter jet and a U.S. Army helicopter in Washington, D.C., left 67 people dead.