Medical jet with six aboard crashes into Philadelphia neighbourhood

A minor medical transport aircraft has collided with multiple structures in north-east Philadelphia, igniting fires in homes and vehicles, and causing injuries to individuals on the ground. On Friday evening, the jet was engaged in a medical transport operation with four crew members aboard, a child patient, and the patient’s escort, according to a statement from Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, a medical aircraft provider.

“We understand there will be loss,” said Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro at a press conference at the crash site, describing it as an “horrible aviation tragedy.”

Emergency responders hurried to the evening accident site as locals filled the roads scattered with burning wreckage and sections of the plane. Eyewitnesses recounted a tumultuous scene with injured individuals and buildings on fire.

According to Shai Gold, a spokesperson for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the child aboard the plane was being treated in the US for a critical condition and was headed back to Tijuana, Mexico.

According to the spokesman, the girl was with her mother, a pilot, a copilot, a doctor, and a paramedic.

Mr. Gold informed that a third-party charity funded the child’s treatment.

“She struggled significantly to stay alive, and sadly, this misfortune occurred on her journey home,” he stated. The Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia released a notice on X for Mexican citizens impacted by the event to contact a helpline.

Philadelphia’s Mayor Cherelle Parker stated that city officials are unaware of the casualty count but are “requesting prayers for all those who might have been impacted.” She advised residents, “If you encounter debris, call 911, do not touch anything.”

The accident occurred just a few blocks away from the Roosevelt Mall, a three-level shopping venue located in a heavily populated area of Philadelphia, the fifth largest city in the United States. The location of the accident is populated with terraced homes and stores.

Footage of the event on the internet displays the aircraft descending rapidly and igniting a massive fireball. Witnesses reported that shrapnel from the collision damaged vehicles and propelled burning debris into the roadways. Images of the aftermath reveal twisted, burning vehicles.