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.
Local News
Small Plane Crashes in Manheim Township After Pilot Reports Open Door, ATC Issued Urgent “PULL UP” Warning
MANHEIM TOWNSHIP, PA – A small aircraft crashed in Manheim Township, Lancaster County, on Sunday afternoon, leaving multiple people injured, authorities confirmed.
The Beechcraft Bonanza, identified as Aircraft N347M, took off from Lancaster Airport at approximately 3:15 p.m. ET.
Moments after departure, the pilot reported an open door and attempted to return to the airport. Air traffic control (ATC) issued an urgent “PULL UP” warning just before impact.
At approximately 3:20 p.m., the plane crashed in the parking lot of the Brethren Village Retirement Community, located near Fairview Drive and Meadowview Court. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that five people were on board at the time of the crash.
Emergency crews, including medics, firefighters, and law enforcement officers, arrived at the scene shortly after the crash.
Multiple injuries have been reported, but officials have yet to confirm the severity or whether there were any fatalities.
Several vehicles in the parking lot caught fire as a result of the crash. Staff at the Brethren Village Retirement Community were advised to remain indoors while emergency personnel worked to secure the area.
The FAA has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash. At this time, the circumstances leading to the aircraft’s rapid descent remain undetermined.
As a precaution, Route 501 in the vicinity has been closed to traffic. Authorities urge residents and commuters to avoid the area until further notice.
Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.