Local News
Philadelphia plane crash victims identified
Authorities have identified three of the six victims involved in the tragic Learjet 55 plane crash in Pennsylvania, which claimed the lives of all on board, including a young girl.
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.
Dr. Raúl Meza, a distinguished neonatologist, was also among the victims. XE Médica Ambulancia confirmed his identity in a statement posted on X, noting that Dr. Meza served as the head of neonatology and provided professional services for the XA-UCI air ambulance.
He completed his medical studies at the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) and specialized in pediatrics and neonatology at the National Institute of Pediatrics. Dr. Meza was assigned to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at ISEM Atizapán.
The incident occurred Friday evening as the Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue, was en route from Philadelphia to Mexico.
According to Flightradar data, the aircraft had ascended to 1,650 feet before experiencing a rapid descent at a rate of 11,008 feet per minute.
Chilling audio recordings have surfaced, capturing the final communications between the plane’s crew and air traffic controllers. In the minutes leading up to the crash, the pilot was heard discussing frequency settings with the controller, followed by a cryptic comment about “talking with the wrong people.”
Shortly thereafter, an unsettling moan was audible, believed to have originated from the cockpit. Moments later, a dispatcher queried, “What’s going on down there?” and received the grim response, “We have a lost aircraft. We’re not exactly sure what happened; we’re trying to figure it out. For now, the field is going to be closed.”
The young girl, a patient at Shriners Children’s Philadelphia, had traveled to the U.S. with sponsorship from a third-party charity to receive critical medical care.
The hospital released a statement expressing their condolences: “The patient had received care from Shriners Children’s Philadelphia and was being transported back to her home country in Mexico on a contracted air ambulance when the crash occurred.”
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences, stating, “I regret the death of six Mexicans in the plane crash in Philadelphia. The consular authorities are in permanent contact with the families.”
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy briefed President Donald Trump about the incident. President Trump later addressed the tragedy on Truth Social, saying, “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.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with the NTSB leading the probe. The investigation is ongoing, and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Local News
Train Derails in Ferguson Involving Vehicles, Hazmat Team Called Over Ethyl Alcohol Rail Car
FERGUSON, Mo. — A train derailment involving vehicles prompted an emergency response in Ferguson on Ferguson Avenue, where authorities requested a hazardous materials team after determining that one of the train cars contained ethyl alcohol.
Emergency units were dispatched to 617 Ferguson Avenue after reports of the rail incident. Responders found a train that had derailed with vehicles involved.
Officials confirmed there was no reported entrapment. Crews were checking the scene for injuries and evaluating those involved in the incident.
A Hazmat response was requested because one rail car involved in the derailment was carrying ethyl alcohol. Emergency crews were assessing the rail car for any potential leak or hazardous condition and working to secure the area.
The presence of ethyl alcohol prompted additional safety precautions while responders examined the derailed train and surrounding vehicles.
At this time, authorities have not released details about possible injuries, the cause of the derailment or the extent of damage.
The investigation and emergency response remain ongoing in Ferguson, and officials are expected to provide additional information once the scene has been fully assessed.