Medevac plane crashes in Philadelphia with six people on board

A medevac plane carrying a child, crew members, and an escort crashed in northeast Philadelphia, with authorities confirming casualties.

A police vehicle blocks access to the site of a plane crash in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., on January 31, 2025. Photo by Rachel Wisniewski/Reuters

By Alana Salsabila and Hayu Andini

A medical evacuation plane carrying six people, including a pediatric patient, crashed in northeast Philadelphia on Friday evening, sending a massive fireball into the air and causing widespread destruction in the area. Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the operator of the aircraft, confirmed the crash but stated that it could not yet verify whether there were any survivors.

The aircraft, a Learjet 55, had four crew members on board, along with the child and an escort, according to a company statement. “At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors,” the company said, emphasizing that no names would be released until families had been notified.

Authorities, including state and local officials, have yet to confirm the number of casualties on the ground. However, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro acknowledged the severity of the crash, stating, “We know there will be loss in this region.”

Eyewitnesses describe fiery crash scene

The crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. near Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The plane had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, a journey of approximately 1,100 miles.

Video footage aired by local news stations captured the aircraft in a steep dive before it slammed into the ground, erupting into flames. Residents in the vicinity reported hearing a loud explosion, followed by plumes of black smoke rising from the crash site.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker addressed reporters at the scene, describing the devastation. “Several houses and cars were engulfed in flames,” she said, calling the response effort “all hands on deck.” Firefighters worked through the evening to extinguish the flames, with TV footage showing emergency crews battling the blaze.

Trump, officials react to Philadelphia plane crash

President Donald Trump reacted to the crash on social media, expressing condolences for the victims. “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,” he wrote.

The crash comes just days after another tragic aviation incident involving an American Airlines jet and a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C. That collision claimed 67 lives, making it the deadliest airplane crash in the U.S. since 2009.

Investigation into cause of the crash begins

Authorities have not yet determined what led to the medevac plane’s sudden descent. Weather conditions at the time included cold temperatures, rain, and low visibility, which may have played a role. The FAA and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the crash, with officials expected to examine flight data, maintenance records, and witness reports.

Local media reported multiple injuries on the ground, though exact numbers have not been confirmed. Emergency responders have urged residents to stay away from the crash site and avoid handling any debris.

As the investigation unfolds, officials will work to determine whether mechanical failure, pilot error, or adverse weather conditions contributed to the tragedy. More details are expected to emerge in the coming days as authorities gather evidence and interview witnesses.

The crash serves as a grim reminder of the risks involved in air travel, particularly for emergency medical flights transporting critically ill patients.