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Mexican Medical Transport Plane Crashes in Philadelphia, Killing Seven and Injuring Over a Dozen

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Philadelphia, Feb. 1, 2025 – A Mexican medical transport plane crashed into a northeast Philadelphia neighborhood on Friday night, killing all six people on board and at least one person on the ground. More than a dozen others were injured in the devastating crash, which erupted into a massive fireball and engulfed several buildings.

The Learjet 55 medevac aircraft went down just minutes after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at 6:07 p.m. local time. According to officials, the plane was transporting a child patient, her mother, and four crew members. It was en route to Springfield, Missouri, before heading to Mexico, where the child was set to receive further medical treatment.

Crash Details and Investigation

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed that flight logs indicate the aircraft was airborne for only one minute before crashing less than four miles (6.4 km) from the airport. Shocking videos posted online show the plane descending rapidly before impact, sparking a massive explosion.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have launched a full investigation into the crash. NTSB investigators have already recovered key flight data components, including the cockpit voice recorder (CVR) and the aircraft’s enhanced ground proximity warning system (EGPWS), which may contain crucial flight data. Both devices will be analyzed at the NTSB Vehicle Recorders Laboratory in Washington, D.C.

The NTSB also confirmed that both engines have been recovered, and efforts to retrieve additional wreckage are ongoing. The debris will be transported to a secure location in Delaware for further examination.

Surveillance footage and witness statements are playing a key role in the investigation. Officials urge anyone with relevant video or imagery of the crash to submit it via email to [email protected].

A preliminary report is expected within 30 days, with a final report—including the probable cause of the crash—anticipated within 12 to 24 months.

Victims and Nationality

Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that all six victims on board were Mexican nationals. The identity of the person killed on the ground has not yet been released.

Reactions and Ongoing Response

In a statement, former President Donald Trump expressed condolences, saying, “So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost.” He also stated that his administration was “totally engaged” in response efforts.

The Philadelphia Fire Department and emergency crews worked through the night to extinguish the flames and rescue survivors. Authorities are still assessing the full extent of injuries and damage to the neighborhood.

Deadliest U.S. Plane Crash in Over 20 Years

The tragedy in Philadelphia comes just two days after another devastating aviation disaster in Washington, D.C., where a commercial jet collided with a military helicopter, killing all 67 people aboard both aircraft. That incident marked the deadliest plane crash in the U.S. in over two decades.

Authorities continue to investigate both crashes as the nation mourns the lives lost in these back-to-back tragedies.

This remains a developing story.