Medevac Jet Crashes in Philadelphia, Erupting in Fireball
Philadelphia — A twin-engine medevac jet crashed into a neighborhood in northeast Philadelphia on Friday night, causing a massive explosion, according to authorities and video footage from the scene.
The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue, had six people on board when it went down around 6:30 p.m. ET shortly after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed. The jet was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.
Radio transmissions from air traffic control identified the flight as a medevac transport. According to flight tracking data, the plane reached an altitude of 1,650 feet before rapidly descending at a final speed of 11,000 feet per minute.
Efforts to contact the aircraft went unanswered. A LiveATC.net recording captures air traffic controllers repeatedly calling out, “Medevac med service, northeast tower. Are you on frequency?” Moments later, the controller acknowledges, “We have a lost aircraft.”
Jet Rescue confirmed that a pediatric patient, their escort, and four crew members were aboard at the time of the crash. The company stated that they “cannot confirm any survivors” at this time.
Impact on the Neighborhood
Several homes and vehicles sustained damage, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said during a press conference. While officials have yet to determine the number of casualties, CNN affiliate KYW reported injuries on the ground. The affected area, near Cottman and Bustleton Avenues, was shut down by emergency responders.
A massive plume of smoke and flames was visible from the crash site, with video footage from WPVI showing multiple fire trucks responding to the inferno. Philadelphia Fire officials later reported that the blaze was under control.
Roosevelt Mall, located across the street from the crash site, was evacuated as a precaution, though no injuries or damages were reported at the shopping center.
Government Response and Investigation
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro announced that state emergency and environmental protection teams had been deployed. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and FAA have launched an investigation, with officials already on the scene.
President Donald Trump was briefed on the crash, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. In a statement on Truth Social, Trump expressed condolences, calling the incident a “tragic loss of innocent lives” while commending first responders for their swift action.
Eyewitness Accounts
Witnesses described a chaotic and terrifying scene.
“I saw this big ball of flames in the sky,” Mikey Littlejohn told WPVI. “The explosion shook the entire building where I was working.”
Another witness, Vadim Osipov, compared the experience to the war in Ukraine, where he is from. “It was like a rocket hitting,” he said. “It brought back memories of home.”
Ongoing Efforts
Authorities have yet to confirm how many homes were affected, but Mayor Parker assured residents that shelter is available for those displaced.
Senator Dave McCormick stated that he is “closely monitoring the situation” and has reached out to local officials to offer support.
This crash comes just days after another fatal aviation disaster in the Washington, D.C., area, where an American Airlines regional jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over the Potomac River, killing all on board.
As investigators work to determine the cause of the Philadelphia medevac crash, the nation mourns yet another tragic air disaster.