Philadelphia Crash: Mexican Girl With Life-Threatening Illness on Plane
February 1, 2025
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One of the passengers on board a jet that crashed in Philadelphia on Friday night was a girl who was returning to Mexico after “receiving treatment for a life-threatening illness.”
An NBC affiliate in Philadelphia first reported the news, citing officials.
Why It Matters
The crash comes just days after a fatal midair collision on Wednesday night involving an American Airlines passenger plane and a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter.
The airline previously told Newsweek there were 60 passengers and four crew members on board, while the Black Hawk helicopter carried three soldiers. It is believed there are no survivors.
Recent airplane incidents and close calls nationwide have continued to raise concerns of safety protocols, and in a news conference on Thursday, President Donald Trump questioned if diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives were partly to blame for Wednesday night’s crash near Washington, D.C.’s Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport.
What To Know
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed that a Learjet 55 crashed around 6:30 p.m. ET in northeast Philadelphia, after departing the Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The plane was carrying six people, according to the agency.
The crashed occurred near the Roosevelt Mall on Cottman Avenue, a heavily trafficked area, during the evening rush hour.
In a news conference on Friday night, Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said, “we know that there will be loss in this region,” as Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said that there are “no reports on the number of fatalities.”
Newsweek reached out to the Philadelphia mayor’s office via email for comment.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker speaks at a news conference after a plane crashed in a northeast Philadelphia neighborhood on January 31. (Photo by KRISTON BETHEL/AFP via Getty Images) Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker speaks at a news conference after a plane crashed in a northeast Philadelphia neighborhood on January 31. (Photo by KRISTON BETHEL/AFP via Getty Images)
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance said in a post on LinkedIn that there were four crew members on board and two passengers, including a pediatric patient.
“At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors. No names are being released at this time until family members have been notified. Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our personnel, their families and other victims that may have been hurt on the ground,” the post said.
Immediately following the crash, numerous videos showing the impact and ensuing explosion took over social media.
What People Are Saying
Shapiro said on X, formerly Twitter: “I’ve spoken with @PhillyMayor and my team is in communication with @PhillyPD, @PhilaOEM, and @PhillyFireDept. We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly. We’ll continue to provide updates as more information is available.”
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy on X: “Just briefed the President and @GovernorShapiro from FAA HQ. I offered the full support of the @USDOT to the Governor and local officials. Investigators are on site.@FAANews.”
Democratic U.S. Senator John Fetterman of Pennsylvania on X: “I’ve been in contact with @PhillyMayor and awaiting further information on the tragic small plane crash in Northeast Philly. For folks in the area, please follow guidance from local officials and police officers.
President Donald Trump on Truth Social: “So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged. First Responders are already being given credit for doing a great job. More to follow. God Bless you all.”
What Happens Next
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) said in a post on X that an investigator arrived at the scene on Friday and additional personnel will arrive on Saturday.
Mayor Parker also noted in a news conference that a shelter is open for impacted residents. The shelter is located at 5500 Langdon Street.
Update 1/31/25 10:45 p.m. ET: This story has been updated with additional information.
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