Key takeaways from the incident:

• A Learjet 55 air ambulance crashed in Philadelphia near Roosevelt Mall, carrying six individuals.
• The victims included a child, her mother, and four crew members, all Mexican nationals.
• There are reports of multiple casualties on the ground, including homes and vehicles caught in the fire.

A devastating incident unfolded in Philadelphia on Friday evening when a small air ambulance crashed shortly after takeoff, resulting in significant casualties both on board and on the ground. The crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. local time, near the Roosevelt Mall in a populous neighborhood.

The aircraft, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was transporting a child who had recently completed medical treatment, her mother, and four crew members. All six individuals aboard were confirmed to be Mexican nationals, as stated by the Mexican government via social media. This tragic accident comes shortly after a severe airplane collision incident in Washington, D.C., highlighting ongoing aviation safety concerns. President Donald Trump expressed his condolences on social media, stating, “More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged,” as first responders rushed to the scene.

Emergency response teams quickly arrived, battling the fire that engulfed nearby homes and vehicles. Witnesses reported seeing body parts scattered around the crash site, which painted a grim picture of the devastating outcomes, reflected in various media reports, including South China Morning Post and VOA News. Eyewitness footage captured the plane in a sharp descent before it ignited into an enormous fireball upon impact.

Local authorities, including Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker and Governor Josh Shapiro, provided updates at the crash scene, indicating that it was chaotic and the situation was still evolving. Governor Shapiro noted, "We know there will be loss in this region," emphasizing the gravity of the incident. The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management labeled the event a "major incident," as teams dealt with the aftermath and began securing the area.

As investigations continue into what led to the crash, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance has yet to confirm the status of the victims, stating, “At this time we cannot confirm any survivors.” The flight had departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport and was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri when the tragedy struck.

For further information regarding this tragic event, readers can visit the original reports from Al Jazeera.