Claudia Sheinbaum, the President of Mexico, has confirmed the tragic deaths of six Mexican nationals aboard a small aircraft that crashed on Friday night in an urban area of Pennsylvania. The medical transport plane accident in Philadelphia claimed the lives of everyone on board, including a young girl who had just received treatment at a local hospital.
The aircraft, a 40-year-old Learjet 55, burst into flames after crashing shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, landing at a busy intersection near Roosevelt Mall. By Saturday morning, the death toll reached seven, including the six on the plane and a bystander on the ground—a motorist who was in their vehicle at the time of the crash. Additionally, 19 people sustained injuries, with many treated at local hospitals, and at least three remain hospitalized.
Sheinbaum extended her condolences and solidarity to the victims' families in a social media post: "Consulate authorities are in constant contact with the families; I have instructed the Foreign Secretary to provide necessary support. My thoughts are with their loved ones and friends."
The aircraft, registered in Mexico, was en route to Tijuana, with a stopover in Missouri. Onboard were a young patient, her mother, and four crew members. The plane had been chartered by Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia to return the child to her home country. The identities of the child and her family have not been disclosed for privacy reasons, but hospital spokesperson Mel Bower confirmed the incident occurred shortly after the patient’s treatment.
Eyewitnesses reported seeing the plane struggling to maintain altitude before it crashed, resulting in an explosion. Emergency services worked throughout the night to clear the wreckage and understand the cause of the crash. Although the exact reason for the accident remains undetermined, investigations are ongoing.
The crash site, located in a densely populated area, has been described as a significant zone of destruction. Authorities are conducting thorough damage assessments and inspecting nearby homes to evaluate the full impact.
Philadelphia's Mayor, Cherelle Parker, expressed her sympathy for those affected, stating that the city is doing everything possible to assist in recovery efforts. “This is a devastating tragedy for all involved. We will continue working with families and authorities to offer support during this difficult time,” she said.
Jet Rescue, the Mexican company operating the flight, expressed deep shock and sadness over the incident. Specializing in air ambulance services, the company confirmed that the crew was highly trained and experienced. “All aircraft undergo rigorous maintenance; we spare no expense because we understand the critical nature of our mission,” said Shai Gold, a spokesperson for Jet Rescue.
This marks the second fatal accident for the company in the past 15 months. In 2023, five crew members lost their lives when their plane veered off the runway in Morelos, Mexico, and crashed into a hill.
The Philadelphia incident occurred just two days after the U.S. witnessed its deadliest air disaster in a generation. On Wednesday night, an American Airlines plane carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided mid-flight with a U.S. Army helicopter transporting three soldiers in Washington, D.C. Tragically, there were no survivors from either aircraft.
Key Details on the Pennsylvania Plane Crash
What caused the plane crash in Philadelphia?
The exact cause of the crash is still under investigation. Authorities are working to determine the reasons behind the aircraft's failure to maintain altitude before it crashed.
Who were the victims of the plane crash?
The victims included six Mexican nationals aboard the plane, among them a young patient and her mother, as well as a motorist who was caught in the crash on the ground.
How is the Mexican government responding to the incident?
The Mexican government, through President Claudia Sheinbaum, has expressed condolences and ensured that consular authorities are supporting the families of the victims.