Philadelphia plane crash: Horror as air ambulance ‘carrying child patient’ and five others in fireball plunge

An air ambulance carrying six people, including a young girl, crashed in a residential area of Philadelphia, causing chaos on the ground.

The Learjet 55 took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport on Friday evening, heading to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. Less than a minute into the flight, the jet lost control and crashed.

Doorbell camera footage captured the plane plummeting to the ground before it exploded into flames. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that six people were onboard, though it is unclear if anyone managed to escape.

At first, the FAA reported only two people were on board, but later corrected this.

The aircraft was operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance and was transporting a young girl who had been receiving treatment. Four crew members were also on board, along with the girl and her mother, who were traveling home to Tijuana, Mexico.

A spokesperson from Jet Rescue said, “At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors.” They added that their main concern is for the families of those involved.

Shai Gold, a company representative, told NBC Philadelphia they believe no one survived the crash. He explained, “The patient had completed life-saving treatment in the U.S. She was on her way home.”

Police sources told CBS that there were reports of injuries on the ground, but it is not yet clear if anyone on the ground was killed. Emergency crews are at the scene, battling flames.

The plane hit several buildings and vehicles, leaving behind destruction.

Shriners Hospitals for Children confirmed the girl had been one of their patients. “Our hearts go out to the families and first responders,” they said in a statement.

Mexico’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed that everyone onboard was a Mexican national.

Flightradar data showed the plane reached 1,650 feet before dropping at -11,008 feet per minute.

Mayor Cherelle Parker urged residents to stay inside while emergency crews worked.

The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating. The NTSB will lead the case.

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