In recent days, two air accidents have been reported in the United States, with fatal consequences. The most recent took place in Philadelphia, where an aircraft crashed very close to a shopping mall, claiming the lives of six Mexicans, including a mother with her minor daughter and four crew members from Jet Rescue Air Ambulance. According to Shai Gold, spokesperson for the company, the girl was being transported to her home in Mexico after receiving treatment in Philadelphia for a potentially life-threatening illness, with a planned stop in Missouri before arriving in Tijuana.
The plane, from Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, crashed into a neighborhood northwest of Philadelphia shortly after takeoff, causing an explosion that affected several homes. Jet Rescue, based in Mexico City, is a company that provides global air ambulance services and ensures that all its aircraft undergo rigorous maintenance to guarantee safety in its critical missions.
According to information from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and police sources cited by local media, the accident occurred after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport heading to Springfield, Missouri. The Learjet 55 model plane crashed at approximately 500 meters in altitude after taking off, as shown by data from ADS-B Exchange. In a dramatic leaked audio, an air traffic controller can be heard attempting to contact the medical aircraft before reporting its disappearance.
Shai Gold, spokesperson for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, stated that the crew was experienced and had undergone rigorous training. The company, founded in 1996, is noted for being one of the first to equip Learjets with medical equipment and boasts the largest fleet of air ambulances in Latin America. Additionally, it has provided transportation services for delicate cases, such as the transfer of baseball player David Ortiz to Boston after an attack in 2019, as well as the transport of COVID-19 patients.
The tragic accident in Philadelphia adds to another that occurred in Washington in less than a week, creating a deep impact on the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance company and the community in general.
