At least seven people were killed when a medevac plane crashed in Philadelphia on Friday, including six Mexican nationals aboard the aircraft and one person on the ground, officials confirmed on Saturday.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said the aircraft, a Learjet 55, crashed on Capitol Avenue shortly after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The victims on board included a pediatric patient, their mother, and four flight crew members. The plane was en route to Missouri when it went down.
Authorities confirmed that the seventh victim was inside a car at the crash site, while 19 others sustained injuries and are receiving treatment at local hospitals. Officials cautioned that the number of casualties could change as investigations continue.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro described the devastation left by the crash, saying residents of Northeast Philadelphia woke up to “carnage” in their community. He praised locals for their resilience and cooperation with emergency responders.
Philadelphia’s Managing Director Adam Thiel said the crash caused extensive damage across a four- to six-block area. Officials are conducting structural inspections and door-to-door searches to assess the full impact.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed the six Mexican nationals aboard the plane had died. She has directed consular officials to assist their families.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, a Mexico-based company licensed to operate in the U.S., identified the aircraft as one of its own.
Investigators are working to determine the cause of the crash, with further updates expected as the inquiry progresses.
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