A Learjet 55 air ambulance aircraft has crashed into buildings in Philadelphia shortly after takeoff on Friday evening 31 January 2025.
The light jet, a Learjet 55 belonging to Jet Rescue Air Ambulance crashed less than a minute after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport (PNE).
The flight was operating with four crewmembers and two passengers – a young patient who was being accompanied by her mother.
Fatal Crash in Northeast Philadelphia

According to NBC News, the young child had been undergoing medical treatment for a life-threatening condition, and was returning home to Tijuana, Mexico with her mother.
The four operating crew comprised a pilot and co-pilot, who were accompanied by a doctor and a paramedic.
Jet Rescue confirmed that all occupants on board the flight were Mexican nationals. The Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia is in contact with the families to provide consular assistance and support.
The aircraft crashed in a busy intersection near Roosevelt Mall. The shopping precinct, located in the residential area of Rhawnhurst, is a busy area with numerous shops and restaurants.
Flight Details
Video footage of the accident shows the aircraft in a steep high-speed descent before impacting the ground. Available flight data shows that the aircraft reached a vertical descent rate of approximately 11,000 feet per minute in the dive.
Following its takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, the aircraft had climbed through 1,600 feet before descending steeply. The cause of the accident is not yet known. The takeoff was logged as 23:06:16 UTC (18:06 local time). The aircraft then commenced a descent 40 seconds later at 23:06:56 UTC.
The aircraft involved was a Learjet 55, registered XA-UCI. This light jet, configured for medevac operations, belongs to the operator Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.
Jet Rescue specializes in transporting patients in critical or life-threatening conditions via air ambulance. They handle both domestic and international flights.
Their fleet consists of Learjet aircraft, which are known for their speed and suitability for medical transport. These jets are configured as mobile intensive care units. Jet Rescue primarily serves Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. They have a strong local presence in these regions.
Philadelphia’s emergency management department declared the crash site location a ‘major incident’. Philadelphia State Representative Jared Solomon posted a statement to his social media account, thanking first responders.
“Thank you to the hundreds of firefighters & first responders on the ground in my district ensuring the safety of Northeast Philadelphia. Our city is one of heroes who run toward danger. I’ve been on the ground monitoring. My office is open over the weekend to help those impacted.”


Update 1 February 22:00 UTC
Authorities have so far confirmed 7 people deceased, including the 6 occupants of the aircraft and one person who was in a vehicle at the time of the crash. 19 people have been reported injured, although their conditions are yet to be confirmed.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

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