Northeast Philadelphia plane crash: Everything to know as Learjet 55 goes down in flames near Roosevelt mall

A Learjet 55 aircraft was involved in a crash in Northeast Philadelphia on January 31, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. local time. The plane hit several buildings and cars in the crash area, which is near the Roosevelt Mall. The jet was on its way for a medical assignment.

A statement from the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance mentioned four crew members and two passengers on the plane. Among of the passengers in the plane was a pediatric patient. According to a report by MSNBC, the pediatric patient was a female minor from Mexico, who had completed her treatment and was on her way back home.

The victims of the accident, who were in the crash area at the time, were an 11-year-old boy with head injuries, a 31-year-old man with head trauma, and a 30-year-old woman with facial injuries.

As per reports, the Learjet 55 departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, a comparatively smaller airport. It was on its way to the Springfield-Branson airport in Missouri. The Learjet 55 reached 1,500 feet after take-off but plunged at 11,000 feet per minute.

As per a report by CNN, a witness was shocked at the plane crash incident, initially mistaking the jet for a rocket missile. The media outlet showed a glimpse of the conversation from the Air Traffic Control (ATC) tower. The ATC appeared to contact the Medevac Med Service 056, asking whether it was on frequency. However, officials at the tower said:

“We have a lost aircraft. We are not exactly sure what happened so we are trying to figure it out.”

According to CNN, Councilman Mike Driscoll said the Learjet 55 appeared to descend into a parking lot with cars and stores. Beyond the stores on both sides, there are residential neighborhoods. He said first responders went door to door to assess whether anybody in the homes was injured.

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Philadelphia mayor says people should stay away from the Learjet 55 plane crash scene

Aviation lawyer Justin Green said it was too early to assess what caused the plane crash. He said the Learjet 55 aircraft was completely out of control and came down like a missile, according to a CNN report. However, unlike the crash in DC, the one in Philadelphia happened in a populated area.

CNN Aviation Analyst Miles O’Brien said medevac operations are among the most dangerous sectors of aviation. The nature of the mission involves urgent situations as there is a life at stake.

First responders reached to douse the fires. Moreover, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker, while addressing the press, urged everyone to avoid the area of the plane crash site. She said:

“If you see debris, call 911. Don’t touch anything. This is still an active scene under investigation. I am proud to note that all of our federal and state partners, they are either en route here or on the ground with us right now. We did see some neighbors who live in the surrounding community, just stay in your home. Again it’s still an active scene and it’s under investigation.”

NBC Philadelphia reported that besides the young girl and her mother, the crew members in the Learjet 55 included a pilot, a copilot, a doctor, and a paramedic, according to the company’s spokesperson. The child had been receiving treatment at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia for a serious medical condition.