Local News
Mexican Girl and Her Mother Among Victims in Northeast Philadelphia Plane Crash
At least six people were on board a small medical transport plane that crashed in Northeast Philadelphia near Roosevelt Mall on Friday, January 31, resulting in multiple fatalities, officials confirmed.
Among the victims was a young girl from Tijuana, Mexico, who was returning home after receiving life-saving medical treatment in the United States.
The aircraft was piloted by Captain Alan Montoya and co-pilot Josué Juárez, who were transporting the child patient Valentina Guzman Murillo and her mother, Lizeth Murillo Osuna and medical personnel Flight Paramedic – Rodrigo Lopez back to Mexico after the girl had received life-saving treatment at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia.
The crash occurred around 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue, just minutes after the aircraft, a Learjet 55 registered as XA-UCI, took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
The plane was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri when it went down.
According to Shai Gold, a spokesperson for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the young girl had been receiving treatment for a life-threatening illness in the U.S., sponsored by a third-party charity.
She was accompanied on the flight by her mother, a doctor, and a paramedic, along with the pilot and co-pilot.
“She fought quite a lot to survive, and unfortunately, this tragedy occurred on her way home,” Gold said. Due to privacy laws, further details regarding the child’s condition and treatment were not disclosed.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance believes there were no survivors from the crash.
Multiple videos captured the harrowing final moments of the flight, showing the plane plummeting from the sky before striking the ground in a fiery explosion.
The impact ignited several nearby homes and vehicles, with flames and thick smoke billowing into the evening sky.
Philadelphia’s Office of Emergency Management issued alerts to residents, advising them to avoid the area, close their windows, and remain indoors due to smoke and debris hazards. Roads surrounding the crash site remain closed as emergency crews continue their response efforts.
Two SEPTA buses were dispatched to support first responders, providing shelter and logistical assistance near the intersection of Bustleton and Cottman Avenues, according to a SEPTA spokesperson.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the Learjet 55 had departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport shortly before the crash. Flight data indicates the plane lost altitude rapidly, disappearing from radar within 30 seconds of takeoff.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance released a statement confirming the crash and emphasizing their focus on supporting the families of the victims and their personnel. “Our immediate concern is for the patient’s family, our crew members, and any other individuals affected by this tragedy,” the statement read.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. No names of the victims have been released pending notification of their families.
Authorities are expected to provide further updates as more information becomes available.
LAWRENCEBURG, Ind. (Dearborn County) — Fire crews are battling a third-alarm structure fire at the Civista Bank located at 19710 State Line Road, according to emergency dispatch information.
The incident was initially reported as a working fire, prompting a second-alarm response as conditions rapidly escalated.
Fire officials have confirmed that the office area on the second floor is heavily involved, with significant fire activity observed within that portion of the building.
Additional firefighting resources have been requested to assist with suppression efforts as crews work to contain the blaze and prevent further spread.
No information has been released at this time regarding injuries, evacuations, or the cause of the fire.
Authorities are expected to provide updates as the situation develops.