Air Ambulance Plane with 6 on board crashes in Philadelphia
At least six people are feared dead following the crash of a Learjet 55 air ambulance in Northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening, January 31, 2025. The aircraft, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport around 6:06 PM local time and was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri when it crashed just 30 seconds later, reaching an altitude of approximately 1,600 feet before losing radar contact.
Aircraft Details: The Learjet 55 was transporting a pediatric patient along with five other individuals, which included four crew members and an escort.
Crash Location: The crash occurred near Roosevelt Mall in a busy residential area, leading to a significant fireball and igniting nearby homes. Witnesses described the explosion as intense, with some likening it to a “mini earthquake” due to the shockwave felt in the vicinity.
Emergency services quickly responded to the scene, where flames engulfed several vehicles and structures. The Philadelphia Fire Department advised residents to avoid the area as they worked to control the situation and assess potential injuries among those on the ground. Governor Josh Shapiro has pledged state resources to assist in the emergency response efforts.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating the crash. Initial reports from the FAA indicated that only two people were aboard, but this has been contradicted by multiple sources confirming six individuals were on board.
This tragic incident follows closely on the heels of another aviation disaster in Washington, D.C., underscoring ongoing concerns about air safety in the U.S.. Further updates are expected as authorities continue their investigation and recovery efforts.
