A devastating plane crash rocked Philadelphia on Friday night when a Learjet 55 air ambulance plummeted from the sky, likely claiming six lives. The medical transport aircraft crashed in a densely populated area, creating a massive fireball that scattered debris across the neighborhood.
Fatal Plane Crash Details Emerge from Philadelphia
The ill-fated flight, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The aircraft carried six people aboard, including a young patient being transported to Mexico. According to Shai Gold, a Jet Rescue spokesperson, “This was a very seasoned crew. We fly 600 to 700 times a year. We really don’t know what happened.”
Ground Impact of the Plane Crash
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro rushed to the crash site. The incident injured six people on the ground, with three currently in fair condition at local hospitals. Michael Hitchner, a witness to the crash, helped an injured child and described the scene as “very shocking and disturbing.”
Investigation into Philadelphia Plane Crash Begins
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a thorough investigation. Weather conditions during the crash included cold rain and low visibility, though investigators have not confirmed these as contributing factors. Jet Rescue emphasized their commitment to safety, stating that “Every flight is like the first flight we ever did.”
Recent Aviation Tragedies Raise Safety Concerns
This plane crash follows a recent midair collision in Washington, D.C., where 67 people lost their lives when an American Airlines jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter. President Donald Trump addressed the Philadelphia incident on social media, expressing sorrow over the loss of “innocent souls.”
Reagan Airport Midair Collision: Passenger Jet and Army Helicopter Crash
Moving Forward After the Crash
As Philadelphia mourns those lost in this tragic plane crash, investigators continue their work to determine the cause. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy confirmed ongoing federal coordination in response to the disaster.
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