Medical Jet Crash in Philadelphia Claims Six Lives

Philadelphia, USA - A tragic incident unfolded when a medical transport Learjet 55 crashed shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, resulting in the loss of six lives, including that of a young patient. The aircraft was reportedly en route to Mexico to bring the sick girl home following life-saving treatment in the United States.

The crash occurred at 6:06 PM local time on Friday, just thirty seconds after takeoff, when the plane exploded at an altitude of approximately 500 meters. The impact of the explosion was devastating, scattering debris across the area and igniting fires in nearby buildings and vehicles.

The Learjet was carrying two pilots, a doctor, a paramedic, the mother of the young patient, and the girl herself. All individuals on board were confirmed dead, with the aircraft disintegrating mid-air due to the explosion.

Debris from the crash landed on the busy intersection of Cottman and Bustleton Avenue, which is flanked by the Roosevelt Mall on one side and residential houses on the other. The scattered fragments of the aircraft led to multiple fires that affected both structures and cars in the vicinity.

Emergency responders reported several injuries on the ground, with at least six individuals transported to Temple University Hospital. Three of them were treated and released, while the remaining three were reported to be in stable condition.

Investigators are currently examining the crash site for clues, with initial suspicions pointing towards oxygen tanks that were aboard the aircraft for the patient's ventilation needs. One of these oxygen tanks was discovered amidst the wreckage, raising concerns about a possible explosion caused by a combination of oxygen and fuel.

According to local news sources, it is believed that the unique circumstances surrounding medical flights may have contributed to the tragic outcome. Authorities from the FBI, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are actively investigating the incident.

Special agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have also joined the investigation to look for any potential explosives in the debris.

This incident marks the second major aviation disaster in the United States in just three days. Earlier, a commercial aircraft collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., resulting in the deaths of 67 people.