Philadelphia plane tragedy: Medical ambulance transporting pediatric patient crashes, explodes near homes
2025-02-01
Category: america

A medical ambulance plane transporting a pediatric patient crashed on a street near the Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on Friday night. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the company operating the plane, said it's Learjet 55 crashed while departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport around 6:30 p.m. The company said there were four crew members and two passengers – a pediatric patient and an escort – on the plane at the time. The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed there were six people on the plane. The agency said the plane was heading to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. STAFFING AT REAGAN WASHINGTON NATIONAL AIRPORT AIR CONTROL TOWER WAS 'NOT NORMAL' ON NIGHT OF COLLISION: FAA  "Our immediate concern is for the patient's family, our personnel, their families and other victims that may have been hurt on the ground," Jet Rescue Air Ambulance said in a statement.&nbsp; The company said no names will be released until family members have been notified. A senior Philadelphia fire official tells Fox News the fires that were sparked by the crash are "now under control."  The official said when the plane went down, it sprayed jet fuel, soaking nearby row homes. The homes then went up in flames. The fire official tells Fox News six houses and six cars caught on fire. President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to react to the tragedy. "So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged," Trump wrote. "First Responders are already being given credit for doing a great job. More to follow. God Bless you all." U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted on X that he had briefed Trump and other officials on the disaster.  "Just briefed the President and @GovernorShapiro from FAA HQ. I offered the full support of the @USDOT to the Governor and local officials," Duffy wrote. "Investigators are on site." Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker held a press conference Friday night. She said she was unable to confirm the number of fatalities. She asked for prayers.  "Don’t touch anything," Parker said. She said if anyone near the scene comes across debris, call 911. A medical oxygen tank was seen on the ground outside a McDonald's near the scene of the crash. A police commander told FOX 29's Steve Keeley that there are "pieces everywhere."&nbsp;   The City of Philadelphia posted on X, calling the incident "major." "Major incident near Cottman and Bustleton Avenues in Northeast Philadelphia across from Roosevelt Mall," according to the post. "Roads closed in area including parts of Roosevelt Boulevard. Avoid area." A video shows the plane loudly crashing in the distance, with a burst of light covering the area.  Gov. Josh Shapiro posted on X, noting he has spoken with Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker, and is in communication with the police and fire departments. "We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly," Shapiro wrote. "We’ll continue to provide updates as more information is available." The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation and the FAA will assist. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Philadelphia said it was also on site investigating. CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP The crash comes just days after an American Airlines passenger plane collided midair with an Army Black Hawk Helicopter near Reagan National Airport, killing 67 people. This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.&nbsp;