(NewsNation) — A child and five others died after a small medical plane crashed in a residential and shopping area in Philadelphia Friday evening, causing an explosion and multiple house fires. Another person in a vehicle was also killed.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences Saturday morning in a statement on the social media platform X.
“I mourn the passing of six Mexicans in the aviation accident in Philadelphia, United States. Consular authorities are in constant contact with the families; I’ve asked the Foreign Affairs Secretary to support whatever is needed. My solidarity with their loved ones and friends,” she said in a statement written in Spanish.
In addition to the fatalities, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said 19 people were injured.
The medical transport jet was transporting a child who had just completed treatment for a life-threatening condition at Shriners Children’s Hospital, her mother and four others. It crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood shortly after takeoff Friday evening, exploding in a fireball that engulfed several homes.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance operated the Learjet 55. 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.
Jet Rescue issued a statement confirming the crash of a medical plane carrying four crew, a pediatric patient and an escort. The company did not confirm any survivors and said no names are being released until the families have been notified.
“The aircraft XA-UCI, Learjet 55, crashed after take off from Philadelphia. There were four crew members and two passengers (pediatric patient and escort) on board,” the company said.
Other injuries have been reported on the ground, and multiple homes are on fire.
“As of right now, we have no reports on the number of fatalities, so right now, we’re just asking for prayers for any and everyone who may have been affected,” said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker in a brief news conference shortly after the crash.
Parker asked residents to stay away from the site due it being an active investigation area. She said shelters were up and running for anyone impacted by the crash.
The FAA said in a statement that “a Learjet 55 crashed around 6:30 p.m. local time on Friday, Jan. 31, after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. … The plane was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.”
The National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said he is offering resources including state troopers, emergency management personnel and members of the state’s transportation department to aid local responders.
“We know that there will be loss in this region, and we want to offer our thoughts and our serious prayers for those who are grieving at this moment,” he said in a news conference Friday night.
Shapiro also commended the Philadelphia community for their “unified” response in supporting one another.
Flight data showed a small jet taking off from the airport at 6:06 p.m. and disappearing from radar about 30 seconds later after climbing to an altitude of 1,650 feet.
It is not clear what caused the crash.
Philadelphia Councilman Anthony Phillips told NewsNation the aircraft landed in a highly congested and dense area.
“The neighbors are just in disbelief. There’s neighbors that just said to me, ‘You know, I just, I thought it was a bomb,'” he said. “You can imagine the fear that people have right now here in northeast Philadelphia.”
He said residents who were shopping at a nearby mall said it “felt like an earthquake.”
President Donald Trump issued a statement on his Truth Social platform saying, “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.”
Vice President JD Vance called the crash a “Very sad situation. May God bless the victims and their families,” in a post on X along with a screenshot of Trump’s message.
Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman posted that he is in contact with Philadelphia’s mayor and is also waiting for updates.
Sen. Dave McCormick said on X that he and his team “are closely monitoring the tragic situation unfolding in Northeast Philadelphia” and “are lending our full support.”
This is a developing story. Check back for more details.
The Associated Press contributed to this story.
