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By Mandy Taheri
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Two days after a medical jet crashed in Philadelphia, the plane's operator has identified the six people onboard who died, and Mayor Cherelle Parker reported a rising number of injuries.
The Context
A Learjet 55 crashed around 6:30 p.m. ET Friday in northeast Philadelphia near the Roosevelt Mall. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the jet was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri. It was then bound for Mexico.
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All six people on the medical flight were killed, as well as one person, who was in their car at the time of the crash.
The crash comes just days after a fatal midair collision on Wednesday night involving an American Airlines passenger plane and a Sikorsky H-60 military helicopter that resulted in 67 fatalities.
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What To Know
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, who was operating the flight, identified the individuals on the plane to CBS News. All of the victims were Mexican citizens.
- Captain Alan Alejandro Montoya Perales
- Copilot Josué de Jesus Juárez Juarez
- Dr. Raul Meza Arredondo
- Rodrigo Lopez Padilla
- Valentina Guzman Murillo
- Lizeth Murillo Ozuna
Newsweek has reached out to Jet Rescue Air Ambulance for comment via email on Sunday.
Perales and Juarez, piloted the jet, while Arredondo and Padilla provided medical assistance. Eleven-year-old Murillo, who was returning to Mexico after receiving months of treatment at Shriners Children's hospital, was accompanied by her mother, Ozuna.
Mel Bower, chiefcommunications officer at Shriners Children's hospital, told Fox News on Saturday that Murillo had been a patient there for "about four months." He added that she "left an impact on members of our staff as well as other patients who were staying here at the hospital...it's just a loss that's very deeply felt here."
The crash also took the life of an individual who was in their car at the time, that person has not yet been identified. Parker said Sunday that the number of injured has risen from 20 to 22, with five still hospitalized, including three in critical condition.
At least 11 nearby homes were significantly damaged in the crash, which also sparked a fire. The crash site, in a heavily trafficked area, remained closed Sunday but is expected to reopen before rush hour Monday.
Parker noted that schools will be in session on Monday.
What People Are Saying
President Donald Trump said on Truth Social Friday night: "So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged. First Responders are already being given credit for doing a great job. More to follow. God Bless you all."
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said in a statement posted on X: "This is a tragedy in our City. People have lost their lives and many injured in this horrific crash and the damage is significant. Our prayers are with the families, friends, neighbors and all of those impacted by the tragic crash. We are unified in our approach - a One Philly philosophy with all hands on deck."
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum wrote on X: "I regret the death of six Mexicans in the plane crash in Philadelphia, United States. The consular authorities are in permanent contact with the families; I have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support them in whatever way is required. My solidarity with their loved ones and friends."
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro wrote in an X post on Saturday: "Authorities have confirmed at least 7 fatalities and several are receiving care at our local hospitals. In the face of this tragedy, Philadelphia is responding in the Philly way – law enforcement protecting our communities, neighbors helping neighbors, Pennsylvanians working together. Please continue listening to local authorities, be patient, and hug the ones you love."
What Happens Next
Officials are still searching for the plane's black box, which will help determine the cause of the crash.
The city plans to hold a town hall meeting to "answer questions and provide resources" for those affected by the crash on February 5 at 7 p.m. ET. The location is yet to be announced.
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