Just two days after the shocking collision of a passenger plane with a military helicopter in Washington that claimed the lives of 67 people, another tragedy struck the United States.
A small medical transport plane crashed into several buildings in a neighborhood in Philadelphia, igniting homes and vehicles, and injuring people on the ground. Unfortunately, no one survived on board.
On the plane were two pilots, a doctor, a paramedic, a 6-year-old patient, and her mother.
The plane belonged to Rescue Air Ambulance, a specialized air service for medical transportation.
The child had been receiving treatment in the U.S. for a life-threatening condition and was returning to Tijuana, Mexico, said Shai Gold, a spokesperson for the airline, to a local media outlet. Her treatment was sponsored by a charitable organization.
“The girl fought very hard to survive, and unfortunately, this tragedy occurred on the way home,” he said, as reported by TCh.
The Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia issued a notice on platform X for Mexican citizens affected by the incident to call a helpline.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker urged residents not to touch debris if they see it and to immediately call 911.
The air ambulance plane crashed just 30 seconds after takeoff. The accident occurred less than 4.8 kilometers from Philadelphia Northeast Airport, which mainly serves business jets and charter flights.
The “Learjet 55” disappeared from radar shortly after taking off from the airport at 6:06 p.m., having reached an altitude of 487 meters.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro stated that he has offered all “state resources to respond to the tragic event in Philadelphia.”