A medical evacuation aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff in Philadelphia on Friday, carrying a child and five others, according to the operator of the flight. The Mexico-based company, which is licensed to operate in the U.S., reported that the aircraft had four crew members, a pediatric patient, and the child’s mother on board.
“At this time we cannot confirm any survivors,” the company stated.
State and local authorities have yet to determine the number of casualties on the ground, as the plane crashed in a densely populated part of the city. Eyewitness videos depict debris and human remains scattered across streets and inside nearby homes.
The child was a girl on her way home with a final destination of Tijuana, Shai Gold, who works on corporate strategy with Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, told CNN. Her mother was also aboard, he said.
“We are terribly shocked by this tragic turn of events,” Gold said. “This was a very seasoned crew. We are a leading air ambulance company, we fly 600 to 700 times a year.”
Gold further emphasized that the company adheres to rigorous international maintenance standards, asserting that the aircraft was in optimal condition before the flight. “We really don’t know what happened,” Gold said.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro addressed the incident at a press briefing near the crash site, acknowledging the likely loss of life.
“We know there will be loss in this region,” Shapiro stated. “We want to offer our thoughts and our serious prayers for those that are grieving at this moment.”
Former President Donald Trump also commented on social media, calling the crash “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.”
This incident follows another aviation disaster earlier this week, in which an American Airlines jet collided with a U.S. Army Black Hawk helicopter over Washington, D.C., resulting in 67 fatalities—the deadliest aviation accident in the U.S. since 2009.
Authorities are conducting a thorough investigation into the cause of the Philadelphia medevac crash as recovery efforts continue.
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Source: Reuters
