Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed on February 1st that a medical evacuation (medevac) plane crashed in Philadelphia the night before, resulting in at least 7 deaths, including 6 Mexican citizens and 1 ground personnel. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are investigating the incident.
The plane was carrying a sick child and their mother, along with four other individuals. It took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport around 6:10 pm on January 31st, with its final destination being Mexico, but crashed near the Roosevelt Mall. The accident occurred at the intersection of Cottman Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard. The flight was originally bound for Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.
Mayor Parker mentioned in a briefing that at least 19 people were injured, and the casualty count may change, with the final confirmation expected in the coming days. Jefferson Health stated they provided care for 15 individuals, with 12 already discharged, 2 undergoing further treatment, and 1 transferred. Temple University Hospital reported that 6 patients have been discharged, 1 stable patient remains hospitalized, and a child is receiving treatment at St. Christopher’s Children’s Hospital.
Following the accident, a large-scale fire broke out at the scene, engulfing vehicles, buildings, and personnel. Officials noted that 5 buildings were affected by the fire, which has since been extinguished. Investigators are continuing to assess the damage, clear the site, and inspect structural damages.
Mayor Parker mentioned that Samuel Fels High School at 5500 Langdon Street provided shelter for nearby residents. As of 3 pm on February 1st, residents near the accident site stated they were not allowed to return home due to the proximity of the explosion.
Christopher Andro, a school bus driver from South Hampton, recalled witnessing the explosion as he was driving home that evening. He described the explosion and subsequent chaos, emphasizing the shock and confusion that ensued.
Andro’s dashcam recorded the plane crash and explosion, capturing the intensity of the event. He detailed the aftermath, including assisting injured individuals at a nearby diner and coordinating with law enforcement to ensure safety protocols were followed.
Residents like Nina Bruno also shared their experiences and reactions to the tragic incident, expressing sadness and concern for those affected. Bruno emphasized the importance of vigilance and solidarity in the face of such unforeseen events, hoping for heightened awareness and prevention measures to avoid similar tragedies in the future.