Medevac plane crash in Philadelphia leaves no survivors (includes video story)

On Jan. 31, a Learjet 55 operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, crashed just 30 seconds after takeoff near Roosevelt Mall in Northeast Philadelphia.

The accident resulted in the death of all six people on board, including a pediatric patient and her mother. The victims were identified as Mexican citizens: Capt. Alan Alejandro Montoya Perales, Copilot Josue de Jesus Juarez Juarez, Dr. Raul Meza Arredondo, Rodrigo Lopez Padilla, Valentina Guzman Murillo (the patient), and her mother Lizeth Murillo Ozuna.

“While the immediate response was the public safety and health of those who were immediately impacted,” said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker. “We know that there will be both short, medium, and a long term impact on Philadelphia.”

At least 24 people were injured, with four still hospitalized as of Monday. The incident significantly damaged 11 homes and affected over 300 properties. The Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board recovered the plane’s black box in the investigation. Officials are examining potential causes of the accident, such as weather, crew health and mechanical issues.

In the aftermath of the plane crash, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro and Parker addressed the public in a joint press conference. They expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured the community that they were working closely with federal and state agencies to support those affected.

“We have also witnessed the best of our community and government working together,” said Shapiro.

David Lazcano Ventura is a journalism/digital broadcasting junior student at FIU with an Associates Degree in art. He loves theater, music, and communication arts as well as i guitar and piano. He is proficient in Italian and fluent in English and Spanish.