Mayor Cherelle Parker on Monday afternoon provided an update on Friday night’s airplane crash on Cottman Avenue, near Roosevelt Mall.
The news conference took place at the mall, and Parker was joined by, among others, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy; Gov. Josh Shapiro; Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel; city Managing Director Adam Thiel; City Councilmen Mike Driscoll and Jim Harrity; state Reps. Jared Solomon and Sean Dougherty; and city elections commissioner Lisa Deeley.
Parker said the death toll remains at seven – six people on board and one person in a car – while 24 were injured, including four who remain hospitalized, two of whom are in critical condition and two of whom are stable.
Parker and Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson have visited victims in the hospital.
“They know we’re praying for them,” Parker said.
Parker announced that Roosevelt Boulevard has fully reopened and that a town hall will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 7 p.m. at Solis-Cohen Elementary School, 7001 Horrocks St.
The Office of Emergency Management, the American Red Cross – Southeastern Pennsylvania Region and the School District of Philadelphia are operating a 24-hour shelter for those impacted at Fels High School, 5500 Langdon St. Red Cross disaster workers are there to assist anyone who’s been displaced by this tragedy. The city does not want donations taken to the site.
Parker, Duffy and Shapiro thanked city, state and federal agencies for their efforts.
“Everybody rowing in the same direction,” Shapiro said.
As for the crash, Parker said the devastation could have been a lot worse, if, say, the plan hit a gas line.
Duffy noted the sharp angle of the plane when it crashed. The National Transportation Safety Board found the black box 8 feet underground, and it will be studied for voice recordings and noises. A report should be forthcoming within 30 days.
“The black box was on its way to D.C. today,” Duffy said.
The aircraft, a Learjet 55 en route to Missouri, departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at 6:06 p.m., about 3.5 miles away from the crash site. The small medical service jet reached 1,500 feet, with the crash taking place about 30 seconds after takeoff. Cottman Avenue, from Roosevelt Boulevard to Bustleton Avenue, remains closed. The mall is also closed.
There were six people on board – a girl who had just completed treatment at Shriners Hospital for Children, 3551 N. Broad St.; the girl’s mother; and four crew members.
The plane belonged to Mexico-based Jet Rescue Air Ambulance. It was to re-fuel in Missouri en route to its final destination in Tijuana, Mexico, near the border with San Diego.
Meanwhile, the Salvation Army Greater Philadelphia Emergency Disaster Services team deployed to the city’s command post, providing meals and support to first responders following the crash. The EDS team arrived on site less than 45 minutes after the crash. Working in coordination with the Office of Emergency Management, Salvation Army volunteers have been serving meals and distributing supplies to first responders and assisting the small number of displaced residents with blankets, food and emotional and spiritual care.
“When disaster strikes, first responders need to act quickly to help survivors and manage the emergency. Our team is there alongside them, ensuring folks impacted by a disaster have the ‘extra things’ — a hot cup of coffee, a meal or just someone to talk to,” said Luke Rodgers, director of The Salvation Army Eastern Pennsylvania Emergency Disaster Services. “That service is also important for first responders, who witness traumatic scenes with every disaster. The better we support first responders, the better they can serve those affected by this tragedy.”
As of Sunday, the Salvation Army had served 1,510 meals and 3,958 drinks and distributed 1,650 handwarmers to anyone still on site. Volunteers and staff have been present from 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. every day since the incident, working in conjunction with city and state agencies as well as other nonprofit groups to ensure a smooth response to the crash.
Life Coach Philly offered its thoughts and prayers to all affected by the crash. The specialists at Life Coach Philly International School of Coaching are reaching out to the community to offer free coaching, helpful resources and special discounts on all of their coaching certification programs. For more information, go to www.lifecoachphilly.com
As for local public officials, many released statements after the crash.
Solomon, who represents the 202nd Legislative District, in which the crash occurred, said:
“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.”
Deeley said:
“The last 21 hours have been just a surge of emotions. A tragic plane crash occurred half a mile from the home where I grew up, lived in for over 50 years, and where I am still an active member of the community. There are no words to express the video and images coming out of my neighborhood. An office building where I worked for 10 years appears to have been damaged. I saw debris in the parking lot of the mall where I hung out as a teenager. I can say that you see these things on TV, but it is totally different when it is in your own backyard.
“This morning, I offered my condolences to Consul General Carlos Obrador for the loss of his country’s citizens. I pray for the victims on the ground. I would like to thank Mayor Parker and Governor Shapiro, who were onsite coordinating efforts. I especially would like to thank the Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management, during our toughest times, they always show the best of Philadelphia.
“To my neighbors in the Northeast, I would like to echo what the Mayor said this morning: please stay in your homes and avoid the site of the accident. Though appreciated, material donations are not needed at the site for first responders or community members at the shelter. No vehicle for financial donations has been set up yet, so please be careful with any online solicitations that you see. All that is being asked for, at this time, is prayers. If you need shelter, please call 215-400-7100. Call 911 if you need assistance other than shelter. If you find any evidence, please do not touch it, call 911. Finally, please be patient as there will be disruptions for a while, but the city, state, and federal governments are all working together to respond and investigate this tragedy.”
Driscoll, chairman of the Transportation and Utilities Committee, said:
“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 said:
“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 said:
“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.” ••
