(Reuters) –On Friday, a medevac plane crashed shortly after takeoff in Philadelphia, killing a toddler and five people, according to the air ambulance business that operated it. No survivors have been reported.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, established in Mexico and licensed to operate in the United States, said that its aircraft crashed with four crew members, one juvenile medical patient, and the patient’s mother on board.
“At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors,” the business stated.
State and municipal officials said late Friday that they couldn’t yet confirm how many people perished on the ground after the jet crashed into a densely populated area of the city. Witnesses to the incident captured videos that plainly showed body parts strewn over the streets and inside surrounding homes.
According to CNN, the Mexican government confirmed that everyone aboard the plane was a Mexican national.
Shai Gold, a corporate strategist with Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, told CNN that the youngster was a girl on her way home with a final destination of Tijuana. Her mother was also on board, he said.
“We are terribly shocked by this tragic turn of events,” Gold told the crowd. “This was a really experienced crew. We are a renowned air ambulance firm, flying 600-700 times per year.”
He stated that the corporation had invested substantially in maintaining its aircraft to the highest international standards, and that the crashed plane was in great flying condition.
“We really don’t know what happened,” Gold explained.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro told a press conference at the crash site that “we know there will be loss in this region.”
“We want to offer our thoughts and our serious prayers for those that are grieving at this moment,” Shapiro told the audience.
President Donald Trump tweeted that it was “so sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.” More innocent lives lost. Our employees are completely engaged. First responders are already getting recognized for their excellent work.”
The incident comes after an American Airlines jet collided with a US Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., killing 67 people in the country’s bloodiest airline crash since 2009.
The Learjet 55 that crashed at 6:30 p.m. (0030 GMT) on Friday was carrying six people, according to the Federal Aviation Administration. Local media said that it happened near the Roosevelt Mall in northeast Philadelphia, and that there were numerous wounded on the ground.
Local TV stations displayed footage of the jet in a steep drop before crashing and bursting in a tremendous flame.
At a press conference at the scene, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker stated that multiple residences and cars were on fire. She described the scenario as “all hands on deck, that’s where we are right now.”
Officials stated it was unclear what caused the incident. When the plane went down, the weather was cold and rainy, with little visibility.
The air ambulance had left Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was on its way to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, roughly 1,100 miles (1,800 kilometers) southwest, according to an FAA statement.
The Philadelphia CBS affiliate reported photos of a big fire and multiple fire engines at the crash area. According to television photos, the fires were mostly extinguished around two hours after the crash.
The Philadelphia police and fire departments did not respond to requests for comment.
