A mid-size air ambulance plane carrying a sick child and five others crashed on Friday night shortly after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, plowing into a residential area and setting off at least six house fires.
The crash occurred in the Northeast part of the city around 6:10 p.m, a city statement read. All six people on board died in the accident and have been identified.
Captain Alan Alejandro Montoya Perales and Copilot Josue de Jesus Juarez Juarez were manning the aircraft, which was transporting the young patient Valentina Guzman Murillo and her mother Lizeth Murillo Ozuna to Tijuana, officials said.
Dr. Raul Meza Arredondo and paramedic Rodrigo Lopez Padilla were also on board to care for Valentina, who had just completed life-saving treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital.
A seventh person who was inside a car near the crash also died, Mayor Cherelle Parker said Sunday. Nineteen people were also injured.
The Learjet 55 aircraft was operated by Mexico-based air ambulance company Jet Rescue Air Ambulance. It had ascended to 16,000 feet when it suddenly fell. Now, crews are looking to recover the plane’s voice recorder to find out what may have caused the crash.
Key Points
- Pediatric patient and her mother among the seven killed in fiery Philadelphia plane crash
- All crew and passengers of Learjet 55 named
- Everything we know about the Learjet air ambulance crash in Philadelphia
- WATCH: Philadelphia plane crash caught on Ring video
- Donald Trump mourns ‘innocent souls lost’ in Philadelphia crash
Full story: Pediatric patient and her mother among the seven killed in fiery Philadelphia plane crash
21:30
,
Mike Bedigan
A young girl traveling home after completing “life-saving” medical treatment, her mother, and at least one medical professional were on board when an air ambulance fell out of the sky and crashed into a residential Philadelphia neighborhood.
Seven people in total have now been confirmed dead, with 19 more injured, following the shocking incident on Friday evening. Several dwellings and vehicles sustained damage in the crash.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum later confirmed that all six people onboard the flight, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, were Mexican citizens. The seventh person killed was on the ground.
Keep reading:
Philadelphia plane crash: What we know so far as Learjet air ambulance comes down in huge explosion near mall
20:30
,
Mike Bedigan, Namita Singh
Philadelphia residents react to crash
19:30
,
Katie Hawkinson
Philadelphia residents are shaken up after the fatal crash of a Learjet 55 on Friday evening.
A resident named Lena told Fox29 the sound “was terrible.”
“In my life I never heard this kind of sound,” Lena told the outlet. “My ears are still buzzing. I was driving five minutes before. I could’ve been here if I had been driving."
Another resident, Angelique, said the crash happened on her niece’s daily route to and from work.
“Just imagine, she got off late yesterday,” Angelique told Fox29. “If she hadn’t got off late yesterday, she could’ve been in this.”
Watch: Philadelphia plane crash caught on Ring video
18:30
,
Katie Hawkinson
ICYMI: Authorities identify six people on board jet
17:30
,
Katie Hawkinson
Authorities have identified all six people who were on board the Learjet 55 that crashed on Friday evening in Philadelphia less than a minute after taking off.
Captain Alan Alejandro Montoya Perales and Copilot Josue de Jesus Juarez Juarez were flying the aircraft, which was transporting the young patient Valentina Guzman Murillo and her mother Lizeth Murillo Ozuna to Tijuana.
Dr. Raul Meza Arredondo and paramedic Rodrigo Lopez Padilla were also on board to care for Valentina, who had just completed life-saving treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital.
"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 sendoff for her today," hospital spokesperson Mel Bower said in a statement.
Aerial footage shows gaping crater and debris scattered across street
16:30
,
Katie Hawkinson
Investigators continue search for black box
15:30
,
Katie Hawkinson
Investigators are still searching for the black box from the Learjet 55 that crashed on Friday evening less than a minute after taking off.
"It could be intact," National Transportation Safety Board Chair Jennifer Homendy said. "But likely it is damaged. It may be fragmented."
Resources for Philadelphia residents, crash witnesses
14:44
,
Katie Hawkinson
According to Fox29, those who need help in the wake of the deadly crash can contact the Red Cross's free, 24/7, multilingual Disaster Distress Helpline: 1-800-985-5990
Mental health services are also available through Philadelphia’s Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services. Call (215) 685-6440 or visit DBHIDS.org.
The Disaster Distress (DDH) Helpline is also available: 1-800-985-5990.
Residents should not touch any debris they find, Fox 29 reports. To report debris, contact the National Transportation Safety Board at: witness@ntsb.gov.
Nearby hospital provides update on injured victims
14:30
,
Katie Hawkinson
Fifteen of the 19 people injured in the crash are being treated at Philadelphia’s Jefferson Health, Fox 29 reports.
Twelve of them have been discharged, two were admitted for further care and one has been transferred to another hospital, a spokesperson for Jefferson Health said Sunday.
People could have evidence from crash on their cars
14:00
,
Michelle Del Rey
Mayor Cherelle Parker wants city residents in the neighborhood where the crash occurred to check their cars for evidence.
The collection of evidence is essential to figuring out what happened, Parker said.
“If that’s you, don’t touch it. Just call 911 immediately,” Parker said.
The debris field is roughly four to six blocks and there is an additional remote area where “something” happened with the aircraft, the city’s Managing Director Adam Thiel said.
Thiel wouldn’t expand on his remark but said the National Transportation Safety Board would address it later.
Full crew and passengers of Learjet 55 named
13:00
,
Mike Bedigan
The entire crew and passengers on board the Learjet 55 that crashed in Philadelphia have been identified by the aircraft’s operating company Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.
The young girl was named as Valentina Guzman Murillo, and had been traveling with her mother, Lizeth Murillo Ozuna.
The plane was piloted by Captain Alan Montoya Perales, along with his copilot Josue Juarez.
Also onboard was Dr Raul Meza Arredon, and Rodrigo Lopez Padilla, a paramedic.
About 70 people remain without power
12:00
,
Michelle Del Rey
About 70 people remain without power in the area surrounding the crash site, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer.
PECO, the area’s energy provider, said it would be working to restore electricity once emergency officials determine it is safe to do so.
The number is lower than the initial 250 people who were without power just after the incident.
What damage was caused in the area?
11:00
,
Michelle Del Rey
CBS Philadelphia reports that multiple cars in the area werre by parts of the plane. Businesses in the area were also ablaze on Friday night.
Roads in the area were closed for hours with people advised to avoid the area. One local resident told CBS: “I just was driving and I saw a lot of police activity and then people texting me. I was close here and that there was a plane crash. And my daughter who GPS'd me, freaked, called me and was making sure that I was OK,” Jimmy Weis said.
A 10-year-old boy said he was returning from hockey when the horror unfolded.“I saw blinking lights coming from the sky. And I just saw them going down. It was really scary.”
Pictures released of medical staff killed in the crash
10:17
,
Holly Evans
Pictures have been released of the pilot and co-pilot of the mid-size air ambulance plane which crashed in Philadelphia, killing all onboard.
Air traffic control audio describes moments leading to Philadelphia air ambulance crash
10:00
,
Namita Singh
Philadelphia mayor releases statement
07:00
,
Michelle Del Rey
“Our prayers are with the families, friends, neighbors and all of those impacted by the tragic crash,” said Mayor Cherelle L Parker
“We are unified in our approach – a One Philly philosophy with all hands-on deck. I am so grateful for the rapid response by our Philadelphia Police and Fire Departments, our Office of Emergency Management and Philadelphia Gas Works with federal, state, and local first responders who swarmed the scene in collaboration with all first responders on the ground.”
The plane had been heading to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri before continuing to Mexico, where the child lived.
The aircraft was in the air for a minute before it crashed. Nine people on the ground were hurt, with several being taken to a nearby hospital. None of the six people on board the aircraft survived.
“This is a tragedy in our city – people have lost their lives and many injured in this horrific crash and the damage is significant,” Parker added.
Shriners Children's Philadelphia releases statement
06:00
,
Michelle Del Rey
The hospital said one of its pediatric patients and the child’s mother were aboard the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance that crashed in Philadelphia last night.
The hospital couldn’t provide additional details because of patient privacy concerns.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the medical crew and pilots who were also lost in this tragic event - as well as all of the people who were affected on the ground - and we’re thankful to the first responders for their quick action.”
Donald Trump mourns plane crash victims
05:00
,
Namita Singh
President Donald Trump took to social media to mourn the victims of plane crash.
"So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania," he wrote on Truth Social. "More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged. First Responders are already being given credit for doing a great job."
The crash follows this week's collision of an American Airlines jet and a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, DS, which killed 67 in the deadliest airplane crash in the US since 2009.
The Federal Aviation Administration said six people were on the Learjet 55 that crashed around 6.30pm on Friday.
Local media reported it was near the Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia and that there were multiple injuries on the ground.
Mexican president responds to crash
04:00
,
Michelle Del Rey
“I regret the death of six Mexicans in the plane crash in Philadelphia,” Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo said in a social media statement Saturday morning.
“The consular authorities are in contact with victims’ families. I’ve asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs secretary to support them in whatever way is required.
“My solidarity to their loved ones and friends.”
Breaking: Full crew and passengers of Learjet 55 named
03:42
,
Mike Bedigan
The entire crew and passengers on board the Learjet 55 that crashed in Philadelphia have been identified by the aircraft’s operating company Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.
The young girl was named as Valentina Guzman Murillo, and had been traveling with her mother, Lizeth Murillo Ozuna.
The plane was piloted by Captain Alan Montoya Perales, along with his copilot Josue Juarez.
Also onboard was Dr Raul Meza Arredon, and Rodrigo Lopez Padilla, a paramedic.
In photos: The scene on Saturday
03:00
,
Michelle Del Rey
Anyone concerned about a missing loved one is encouraged to call 911
02:00
,
Michelle Del Rey
Anyone who thinks that their friends or relatives were in the area where the crash occurred should notify authorities, Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Thiel said.
Pediatric patient and her mother among the seven killed in fiery Philadelphia plane crash
01:00
,
Michelle Del Rey
A young girl traveling home after completing “life-saving” medical treatment, her mother, and at least one medical professional were on board when an air ambulance fell out of the sky and crashed into a residential Philadelphia neighborhood.
Seven people in total have now been confirmed dead, with 19 more injured, following the shocking incident on Friday evening. Several dwellings and vehicles sustained damage in the crash.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum later confirmed that all six people onboard the flight, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, were Mexican citizens. The seventh person killed was on the ground.
Read more from Mike Bedigan...
WATCH: CCTV footage shows restaurant patrons being hit with debris
00:00
,
Michelle Del Rey
Patrons and employees can be seen ducking for cover as the explosion occurred on the Northside of the city Friday night.
New video from the plane crash in Philadelphia shows debris hitting a nearby restaurant.
— BNO News Live (@BNODesk) February 1, 2025
At least 1 customer was hit by flying debris, causing a head injury. pic.twitter.com/W1GTEEU8Pf
WATCH: Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy issues update
Saturday 1 February 2025 23:36
,
Michelle Del Rey
NTSB speaks on investigating two major incidents
Saturday 1 February 2025 23:30
,
Michelle Del Rey
NTSB Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy stressed it is not unusual for the agency to be investigating two major accidents at once. “We are a highly-skilled agency,” she said during a news briefing in Philadelphia Saturday.
The NTSB has 436 employees spanning across all modes of transportation. The agency has two separate teams of investigators probing crashes in Philadelphia and Washington D.C. at the respective scenes.
NTSB says it has located two engines, still looking for cockpit voice recorder
Saturday 1 February 2025 23:03
,
Michelle Del Rey
As parts of the aircraft remain scattered across Northeast Philadelphia, NTSB Chairwoman wants individuals to look out for the device.
It could be intact but is likely damaged or fragmented, Homendy said.
The chairwoman is asking anyone who finds the recorder to call witness@ntsb.gov.
The device is helpful to investigators in determining what went wrong.
NTSB holds briefing on crash
Saturday 1 February 2025 22:41
,
Michelle Del Rey
Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy says she’s been “moved by the outpouring of support for the NTSB over this past week.”
The National Transportation Safety Board is the lead US investigative authority for transportation disasters.
Homendy said the US Parks Service flew her up by helicopter from Ronald Reagan International Airport to Northeast Philadelphia Airport on Saturday.
The NTSB is also investigating the American Eagle crash that occurred on Wednesday after a Black Hawk helicopter collided with the plane mid-air on its descent. Sixty-seven people died in the incident.
Doctor on board flight identified
Saturday 1 February 2025 20:30
,
Michelle Del Rey
Dr Raúl Meza, the head of neonatology for XE Médica Ambulancias, a private emergency services company, was on board the aircraft, the company confirmed Saturday in an X post.
Meza studied medicine at the National Autonomous University of Mexico and pediatrics and neonatology at the National Institute of Pediatrics.
He was a physician assigned to the NICU at the Instituto de Salud del Estado de México in Atizapan, over 2,000 km from where the plane was due to land in Tijuana.
Death toll still unconfirmed – but officials 'know there will be loss'
Saturday 1 February 2025 19:30
,
Namita Singh
An official confirmation of the death toll from Friday's evening's crash is not expected until the morning, but there were six people on board the air ambulance that came down in a fiery crash and currently no reports of any survivors.
Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro said at a news conference late on Friday that officials expected fatalities in the "awful aviation disaster”.
"We know that there will be loss," he said.
Six people were injured on the ground, but none are in a life-threatening condition.
Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Thiel says it could be days or more before total number of casualties is known
Saturday 1 February 2025 17:56
,
Michelle Del Rey
There are a lot of unknowns about the number of people on the streets when the incident occurred, Thiel said during a news conference.
“It will likely be days or more until we are able to definitively answer the question about the number of folks who perished in this tragedy,” he said, explaining how he anticipates the number of casualties will change.
Mayor Cherelle L Parker confirms seven dead, 19 injured
Saturday 1 February 2025 17:06
,
Michelle Del Rey
Seven people are confirmed dead and 19 injured after a plane crashed in North Philadelphia Friday.
Parker confirmed the development in a social media post. Six of the deceased were on board the aircraft while one individual was in a car.
Several dwellings and vehicles sustained damage in the crash. Local officials are working with state and federal partners to determine the cause of the incident.
“Much more work needs to be done. Please stay home and safe,” Parker said.
Four people spent Friday night at Philadelphia shelter
Saturday 1 February 2025 16:30
,
Michelle Del Rey
The Red Cross is currently running an emergency shelter close to the site of the plane crash. It said four people spent the evening there on Friday.
The charity is asking individuals not to bring material donations to the facility.
“We understand people want to help and appreciate the support. Right now, the Red Cross has what it needs to support the community,” the organization said.
“We ask that you not bring material donations such as clothing or food to the shelter. We're working to identify partners to handle donations.”
Emergency shelter open across the street from site
Saturday 1 February 2025 15:50
,
Michelle Del Rey
A shelter has been opened at Samuel Fels High School at 5500 Langdon Street in Northeast Philadelphia.
The facility is being operated with the Office of Emergency Management and the American Red Cross to assist those who’ve been displaced by the incident.
Speaking to reporters on Friday, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L Parker said the crash impacted several dwellings in the area.
“Southeastern Pennsylvania Red Cross disaster workers are there to assist anyone who’s been displaced by this tragedy,” a statement said.
“People have already begun using the shelter – and we encourage anyone who needs this service to avail themselves.”
WATCH: Philadelphia man describes helping injured child on the ground
Saturday 1 February 2025 15:20
,
Michelle Del Rey
“I don’t record. I help”
— Chris O'Connell (@CoconnellFox29) February 1, 2025
Philly man describes how he helped some of the injured on the ground after last nights medical transport plane crash in NE Philadelphia . All 6 onboard killed. No word on yet on how many injuries or fatalities on the ground. @FOX29philly pic.twitter.com/WLMbMquHi4
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy says he's briefed Trump, Pennsylvania governor after crash
Saturday 1 February 2025 14:53
,
Michelle Del Rey
“Just briefed the President and Governor Shapiro from FAA headquarters,” Duffy wrote on X. “I offered the full support of the US Department of Transportation to the Governor and local officials.”
Philadelphia Eagles express condolences
Saturday 1 February 2025 18:42
,
Michelle Del Rey
“The Eagles organization was heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of life earlier this evening as a result of the plane crash in North East Philadelphia,” the team said in a social media statement.
“We extend our condolences to the victims and loved ones they leave behind. We are grateful to the first responders for their heroic actions at the scene.”
— Philadelphia Eagles (@Eagles) February 1, 2025
Pediatric patient and her mother among seven killed in fiery Philadelphia plane crash
Saturday 1 February 2025 23:23
,
Michelle Del Rey
A young girl traveling home after completing “life-saving” medical treatment, her mother, and at least one medical professional were on board when an air ambulance fell out of the sky and crashed into a residential Philadelphia neighborhood.
Seven people in total have now been confirmed dead, with 19 more injured, following the shocking incident on Friday evening. Several dwellings and vehicles sustained damage in the crash.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum later confirmed that all six people onboard the flight, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, were Mexican citizens. The seventh person killed was on the ground.
Read more from Mike Bedigan...
Pictures capture dramatic scene of Philadelphia crash
Saturday 1 February 2025 11:30
,
Namita Singh
Recap: Air ambulance plane carrying sick child and 5 others crashes into homes in Philadelphia
Saturday 1 February 2025 10:29
,
Namita Singh
A medical transport jet transporting a child who had just completed treatment for a life-threatening condition, her mother and four others crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood shortly after takeoff on Friday evening, exploding in a fireball that engulfed several homes.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, which operated the Learjet 55, said in a statement: "We cannot confirm any survivors."
There was no immediate word whether anyone on the ground was killed, but at least six people were treated for injuries at a hospital.
Everyone aboard the flight was from Mexico.
The child was being transported home, according to Jet Rescue spokesperson Shai Gold. The flight's final destination was Tijuana after a stop in Missouri.
The patient and her mother were on board along with four crew members. Mr Gold said this was a seasoned crew and everyone involved in these flights goes through rigorous training.
"When an incident like this happens, it's shocking and surprising," Mr Gold told The Associated Press. "All of the aircraft are maintained, not a penny is spared because we know our mission is so critical."
Will Republicans blame this disaster on DEI too?
Saturday 1 February 2025 09:30
,
Josh Marcus
Search and rescue teams hadn’t even finished pulling the bodies out of the Potomac River before Donald Trump began blaming diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs for the disastrous Wednesday night plane crash between a military helicopter and a commercial jet outside Washington that likely killed 67 people.
That leads one to wonder, will Trump politicize the Philadelphia crash too and blame DEI?
Earlier this week, we had this analysis on why the right is so quick to blame DEI in the wake of tragedy.
In video: Ring doorbell camera captures moment small plane explodes into fireball in Philadelphia neighborhood
Saturday 1 February 2025 09:00
,
Namita Singh
A Ring doorbell camera has captured the horrifying moment an air ambulance plane crashed into a “high traffic” residential area, starting fires on Friday night (31 January).
Watch the video here:
What we know so far as Learjet air ambulance comes down in huge explosion near mall
Saturday 1 February 2025 11:27
,
Namita Singh
An air ambulance carrying a young girl, her mother and four crew members crashed into a busy residential area of northeast Philadelphia Friday, erupting in a fireball.
The aircraft came down just after 6pm local time near the Roosevelt Mall, damaging half a dozen homes and a number of vehicles. Shocking footage showed a large mushroom-shaped fireball shooting into the sky upon the plane’s impact.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, which operated the Learjet 55, said in a statement: "We cannot confirm any survivors.”
Map: Philadelphia officials warn of road closures
Saturday 1 February 2025 08:30
,
Josh Marcus
Major road closures due to the aircraft response and investigation: Cottman Ave closed between Bustleton and Brous Aves. Roosevelt Boulevard outer lanes from Rhawn St to Tyson Ave. Saint Vincent St closed between Bustleton Ave and Castor Ave (1/2) pic.twitter.com/ZdVxOVixdo
— Philadelphia OEM (@PhilaOEM) February 1, 2025
‘I thought we were under attack’: Eyewitness describes seeing crash
Saturday 1 February 2025 08:25
,
Namita Singh
One cellphone video taken by a witness moments after the crash showed a chaotic scene with debris scattered across the intersection. A wall of orange glowed just beyond as a plume of black smoke rose into the sky and sirens blared.
Michael Schiavone, 37, was sitting at his home in Mayfair, a nearby neighborhood, when he heard a loud bang and his house shook. He said it felt like a mini earthquake and when he checked his home security camera, it looked like a missile came down.
"There was a large explosion, so I thought we were under attack for a second," he said.
Final instructions from air traffic control before Philadelphia crash
Saturday 1 February 2025 08:07
,
Namita Singh
Shortly after 6pm, audio recorded by LiveATC captured an air traffic controller telling "Medevac Medservice 056" to turn right when departing.
About 30 seconds later it repeats the request before asking: "You on frequency?"
Minutes later, the controller says: "We have a lost aircraft. We're not exactly sure what happened, so we're trying to figure it out. For now the field is going to be closed."
What we know so far
Saturday 1 February 2025 08:01
,
Namita Singh
- An air ambulance plane crashed shortly after take-off into a row of houses in Philadelphia on Friday night
- Flight was operated by a Mexican NGO and transporting a child who
