All six passengers have been killed on a medical plane that crashed in a Philadelphia neighbourhood on Friday night, including a mother and her daughter, according to the mayor’s office.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker adds that “many people on the ground” were injured as homes and fires in the areas were ablaze in the aftermath.
The medical transport plane was taking the girl – who had been receiving care in the US for a life-threatening condition – back to Tijuana, Mexico. Four crew members were also on board.
Flight logs show the plane was in the air “for only a minute before it crashed.”
In an audio recording obtained by CBS News, the BBC’s US partner, an air traffic controller can be heard saying they’re “not exactly sure what happened”
As we’ve been reporting, the patient on board this medical flight was a Mexican girl.
She had been treated at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia, spokesperson Mel Bower tells CBS News.
Her treatment had ended and she was on her way home to Tijuana when the plane crashed, Bower adds.
“It’s extremely hard and extremely difficult, those that were involved directly in her care were very aware that she was going to be traveling home and there had actually been a send off for her today.”
He says the hospital community at Shriners has been impacted very deeply by this.
When asked if she enjoyed the end-of-treatment celebration earlier on Friday, Bower says he is “certain that she did”.
“Our staff – they work so hard at bringing joy and laughter and excitement into all parts of the clinical aspect. Our patients don’t look at it as going to the hospital. They go to a place where they have fun and have enjoyment.”
Here’s more from the statement we just received from Philadelphia Mayor, Cherelle Parker:
“A devastating plane crash occurred in Northeast Philadelphia near Roosevelt Mall at Cottman and Bustleton Avenues on Friday evening, January 31, 2025, at approximately 6:10 pm.
“A private Learjet 55 – a medical transportation jet – departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport with two passengers, a mother and daughter, and four crew members were killed in the tragic crash.”
It adds that flight logs show the plane was in the air “for only a minute before it crashed.”
“Many people on the ground – in parking lots, on streets, in cars and homes in the area – were injured,” the statement reads, but “the number of injured is yet to be released.”
It says that some were taken to Temple University Hospital’s Jeanes Campus, but there could be more in other hospitals.
The Philadelphia Fire Department advised residents to avoid the area of Calvert and St. Vincent streets.
Mayor Parker urged residents not to touch any debris and to call 911. A shelter is available for residents at Samuel Fels High School located on the 5500 block of Langdon Street, the mayor said.
A large fire burned in the wake of the crash, prompting a significant response. Vehicles, homes and even people in the area could be seen on fire.
