Fiery medevac jet crash in Philadelphia leaves uncertainty over survivors

A twin-engine Learjet 55 medevac aircraft (Mexican registry XA-UCI) carrying six people—including a child patient recovering from life-saving surgery and her mother—crashed in a northeast Philadelphia neighbourhood Friday night, causing a fiery explosion.

The jet, operated for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance by MedJets, was en route from North Philadelphia Airport (PNE) to Tijuana, Mexico, with a refuelling stop planned in Springfield-Branson National Airport (SGF), Missouri.

There are reportedly no survivors among the two pilots and four passengers, all Mexican nationals. Several homes and vehicles were damaged, prompting emergency response efforts.

The FAA and NTSB are investigating the crash, which occurred shortly after takeoff. Nearby roads and the Northeast Philadelphia Airport were temporarily closed as first responders worked to control the scene.

UPDATE

The final tally is 7 fatalities, including the driver of one car on the ground, and 19 injured by scattered debris from the plane, people who were not far from a commercial mall.

“I mourn the death of six Mexicans in the plane crash in Philadelphia, United States,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said. “The consular authorities are in permanent contact with the families; I have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support them in whatever way is required. My solidarity with their loved ones and friends.”