Six people are believed to be dead following an airplane crash on Friday night on Cottman Avenue, near Roosevelt Mall.
The crash happened at about 6:25 p.m. The plane belonged to Mexico-based Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.
A child patient, her mother and four others were on board the plane, which crashed about 30 seconds after departing Northeast Philadelphia Airport en route to Missouri, where it was to re-fuel, and then its intended final destination in Tijuana, Mexico.
The plane exploded, and several homes and vehicles were engulfed.
“We cannot confirm any survivors,” Jet Rescue Air Ambulance said in a statement. “Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our personnel, their families and other victims that may have been hurt on the ground.”
Mayor Cherelle Parker briefly addressed reporters on the scene. She urged people to stay away from the scene and asked anyone who sees debris to call 911. She said state and federal partners are on the scene, and that she has spoken to Gov. Josh Shapiro and U.S. Sens. John Fetterman and Dave McCormick.
Parker said, “An aircraft crashed tonight in the vicinity of the Roosevelt Mall on Cottman Avenue. It occurred shortly after 6 p.m. this evening. We have no reports on the number of fatalities. Our prayers are with the families, friends, neighbors and everyone affected by this tragedy. Several dwellings and vehicles were impacted as well. We are urging people to stay away from the scene, and for neighbors to stay in their homes if they can. This is still an active scene under investigation. I want to say thank you to our first responders and local, state and federal partners who are working vigorously to make public safety and health a first priority here in our city. We will have further briefings as more information becomes available.”
Parker was joined by, among others, Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel; city managing director Adam Thiel; elections commissioner Lisa Deeley; state Sen. Joe Picozzi; and state Reps. Jared Solomon and Sean Dougherty.
Solomon, who represents the 202nd Legislative District, in which the crash occurred, released the following statement:
“Northeast Philadelphia is a community of neighbors who care about each other. In a time of profound tragedy, I was inspired to witness hundreds of our first responders sprinting towards danger to ensure the safety of our neighborhood. Northeast Philadelphia stands united in prayer for the families of the victims, and in gratitude for the brave firefighters and police officers who keep us safe.”
Solomon joined Dougherty and Reps. Jason Dawkins, Pat Gallagher and Ed Neilson in issuing this statement:
“While we’re still learning details regarding the horrific tragedy in Northeast Philadelphia, we’re working with local and state officials to support our community. For everyone’s safety and to ensure first responders have unimpeded access to the site, please avoid the area around Roosevelt Mall.
“Our thoughts are with the loved ones of the victims, as well as the neighbors and businesses impacted by this disaster. We’re extremely grateful for all the first responders working this emergency.”
Councilman Mike Driscoll, chairman of the Transportation and Utilities Committee, issued the following statement:
“My heart is so heavy as we continue to learn more about this tragic plane crash in Northeast Philly. We are in direct communication with our emergency response teams to monitor the ongoing impacts to the immediate and surrounding area. This is an active emergency response situation, sadly, with reported mass casualties. Right now, our focus is on the needs of our first responders on the ground, as well as the individuals and families impacted by this tragedy. We ask that people please avoid the area. We will continue to monitor as this unfolds. Our prayers are with everyone right now.”
U.S. Rep. Brendan Boyle released the following statement:
“Tonight, our community has experienced a tragedy. My heart goes out to the victims, their families, and everyone impacted by this devastating plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia.
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to the first responders — especially our brave Philadelphia firefighters — who acted quickly and courageously. Their dedication and service to our community are truly remarkable.
“I have been in contact with the FAA and NTSB and will continue to follow their investigation closely. It is critical that we get answers and take any necessary steps to prevent future tragedies. I am also in contact with Mayor Parker as we monitor the situation and ensure that all necessary resources are available.”
Archbishop Nelson Perez issued this statement:
“My heart sank when I learned that an aircraft crashed at Cottman Avenue and the Roosevelt Boulevard in Northeast Philadelphia tonight. This shocking tragedy comes with great loss, pain, and anxiety for the families of the crew and passengers as well as neighborhood residents and business owners whose evening was shattered with sudden violence. We pray fervently that God will bring comfort and healing in this time of anguish.
“May our Blessed Mother wrap her protective mantle around the first responders working tirelessly to assist the injured, extinguish fires, and safeguard the community. Our emergency personnel put themselves at great risk to serve us each day and they deserve our unending thanks.
“Let us all unite in prayer and do what we can in the days ahead to share the compassionate love of Christ with those suffering as a result of tonight’s crash.” ••
