Child among 7 dead, 19 injured in Philadelphia plane crash, but numbers could still rise: Officials
The Learjet 55 crashed after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
PHILADELPHIA -- The crash and resulting explosion of a medical transport jet in Philadelphia left a massive impact on the surrounding neighborhood, and the scope of the devastation started to become more clear on Saturday.
All six people on board the plane are dead and one person on the ground inside a vehicle was killed in Friday's crash.
At least 19 others were injured, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said during a briefing Saturday morning. Officials did not specify the extent of those injuries but did say the injury and death toll could change, adding that it could be days or more before we know the totals for sure.
Jefferson Health told Action News that they provided care for 15 individuals, and 12 have since been discharged. Two people have been admitted for further care and one patient was transferred to another hospital.
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.
Officials said five structures were ablaze after the crash, which have all been extinguished.
Investigators are still assessing damage in a four to six-block area, where they are continuing a grid search of the scene to ensure they have accounted for everyone and found all evidence, as well as checking for any structural damage.
Along with the debris field in the area of the impact site, Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Thiel said they are also investigating debris in a "remote area" where "something happened with the aircraft." He said, "That's something we'll leave the NTSB to talk about."
Parker continues to urge residents to stay away from the scene and to also call 911 if they find any debris.
The mayor also said no donations are needed and there is no official GoFundMe.
Anyone in need of mental health support can call 215-685-6440 or visit dbhids.org.
If you are missing or concerned about any loved ones, Mayor Parker advises 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.
Our Philadelphia sister station, 6ABC Action News, got a new look at daybreak on Saturday morning at the destruction that spans several blocks.
A crater can be seen in the roadway where the medical jet made impact.
Chopper 6 was overhead, where charred vehicles and burned buildings could be seen as federal investigators arrived to examine the scene.
Video of the crash quickly began circulating on social media, many showing graphic images from the scene.
Debris from the crash is being found up to a quarter mile away from the impact site.
New video even shows one man sitting inside a diner being struck by debris.
The plane was carrying a child, her mother and four other people, went down near the Roosevelt Mall around 6:10 p.m.
The Learjet 55 crashed near Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, according to authorities. The flight was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri with a final destination in Mexico when it went down.
Mexico's president, Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, confirmed early Saturday that all six on board the plane were killed.
"I regret the death of six Mexicans in the plane crash in Philadelphia, United States. The consular authorities are in permanent contact with the families; I have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support them in whatever way is required. My solidarity with their loved ones and friends," she said in a post on X.
Shriners Children's Hospital confirmed to Action News that the child on board had received care from the hospital and was being taken back to her home country of Mexico, along with her mother, when the crash happened.
The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating.
An NTSB investigator arrived at the scene Friday night with additional team members expected to arrive Saturday.
Speaking at a follow-up press briefing Friday night, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said dozens of state troopers and other state personnel were on hand to offer help and praised local responders and community members.
"We saw neighbor helping neighbor. We saw Pennsylvanians looking out for one another," he said.
Moment of impact: Plane crash caught on multiple videos in Northeast Philadelphia
In a statement posted to social media platform Truth Social, President Donald Trump said: "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."
There was a temporary ground stop after the crash but that has since been lifted. However, Atlantic Aviation is closed.
The Philadelphia plane crash comes just days after 67 people died after an American Airlines plane and Black Hawk helicopter crashed near Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport in Washington D.C. The DC plane crash marks the first major commercial crash in the U.S. in more than 15 years.
