PHILADELPHIA — A medical transport jet tragically crashed in Philadelphia on January 31, resulting in the deaths of six individuals—five crew members and a child patient. The plane, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, exploded shortly after takeoff, igniting a fireball that engulfed several homes in the residential area near Roosevelt Mall.

The jet was carrying a pediatric patient who had just undergone treatment for a life-threatening condition at Shriners Children's Hospital. The flight, destined for Tijuana after a stop in Missouri, also included the child's mother and a seasoned crew of four. The crash prevents officials from immediately confirming survivors, although at least 19 individuals on the ground were injured.

As reported by HuffPost, Governor Josh Shapiro indicated that the crash is being treated as a significant aviation disaster, with expectations of fatalities. His remarks reflect the sentiments of the Mexican President, Claudia Sheinbaum, who expressed condolences and confirmed that all victims aboard the flight were Mexican nationals.

Authorities are conducting an extensive investigation into the incident, led by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Eyewitnesses described a chaotic scene following the crash; one resident commented, “It felt like a mini earthquake” as windows rattled from the impact.

The aircraft, a Learjet 55, disappeared from radar shortly after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at about 6:06 p.m. Flight data revealed a climb to approximately 1,600 feet before the plane rapidly went off course. Audio recordings relayed air traffic control's attempts to reach the jet before the crash occurred.

This incident follows closely on the heels of another catastrophic event, where an American Airlines flight collided with an Army helicopter in Washington, D.C., leading to no survivors. The crash marks the second serious incident involving Jet Rescue in recent months; they experienced a deadly accident in Mexico last year.

In videos captured by witnesses, the crash scene depicted debris scattered across the intersection and plumes of black smoke rising, a stark reminder of the day's tragic events. Efforts are ongoing to assess further damage in the surrounding community as authorities manage the aftermath of what has become one of the most severe aviation disasters in recent memory.

For more details on this developing story, visit NPR.