Philadelphia, December 7, 2025
A tragic plane crash in Philadelphia has claimed the lives of all six individuals on board, all of whom were confirmed to be Mexican citizens. The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, crashed shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. The National Transportation Safety Board is currently investigating the incident, which has also caused injuries to the community. In response, Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum has offered condolences and is coordinating assistance for the victims’ families.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – December 7, 2025
All six victims of the Philadelphia plane crash were Mexican citizens, Mexican president says
On Friday, December 5, 2025, a medical transport plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, resulting in the deaths of all six individuals on board. Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum confirmed that the victims were Mexican nationals. The aircraft, a Learjet 55 operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was en route to Tijuana International Airport in Mexico, with a planned refueling stop in Springfield, Missouri. The crash occurred in the Castor Gardens neighborhood of Philadelphia, causing fires and explosions that led to additional fatalities and injuries on the ground. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation into the cause of the crash.
Details of the Crash
The Learjet 55 took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at approximately 6:06 p.m. EST. Shortly after departure, the aircraft disappeared from radar and crashed less than three miles from the airport. The crash site was near the Roosevelt Mall, where the plane struck multiple buildings and vehicles, igniting fires and explosions. The impact resulted in the deaths of the six individuals on board and one person on the ground. Additionally, at least 24 people on the ground were injured, with several critically wounded. The NTSB has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the crash.
Victims Identified
The six individuals on board the aircraft were identified as Captain Alan Alejandro Montoya Perales, Co-pilot Josué Juárez, Dr. Raúl Meza Arredondo, Paramedic Rodrigo López Padilla, pediatric patient Valentina Guzmán Murillo, and her mother, Lizeth Murillo Ozuna. All six were Mexican nationals. The NTSB is working to identify the individual on the ground who lost their life in the crash.
Investigation and Response
The NTSB has completed the on-site phase of its investigation and is analyzing data from the aircraft’s flight data monitoring system. The cockpit voice recorder was found to be inoperative for several years prior to the crash. The NTSB is also evaluating a ground warning system that may contain flight data memory. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has ordered a ground stop at Northeast Philadelphia Airport, and the Philadelphia Police Department has initiated a citywide emergency response to stop the spread of fires. The Office of Emergency Management has closed roads near the crash site and is advising citizens to avoid the area.
Background
This incident marks the second fatal accident involving Jet Rescue Air Ambulance in 15 months. The previous accident occurred in November 2023 at Cuernavaca Airport in Mexico, resulting in the deaths of four people. The NTSB is conducting a thorough investigation to determine the causes of both incidents.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the crash, the National Weather Service reported light rain, overcast and foggy conditions, and a 30 mph wind gust in Philadelphia. Visibility was estimated at 6 miles. These weather conditions may have contributed to the accident, and the NTSB is considering them as part of its investigation.
Community Impact
The crash has had a significant impact on the local community. Several homes and businesses in the Roosevelt Mall area were destroyed or damaged by the fires and explosions. The Philadelphia Fire Department and other emergency services responded promptly to contain the fires and assist those affected. A Friends and Relatives Center was established at Samuel Fels High School to support those impacted by the tragedy.
International Response
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences to the families of the victims and ordered the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to assist their families. The Mexican government is coordinating with U.S. authorities to support the investigation and provide assistance to the victims’ families.
Next Steps
The NTSB continues to investigate the cause of the crash. The public is advised to avoid the area around the crash site to allow emergency responders and investigators to perform their work. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What caused the plane crash in Philadelphia?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings indicate that the cockpit voice recorder was inoperative for several years prior to the crash, and the NTSB is evaluating a ground warning system that may contain flight data memory. Weather conditions at the time included light rain, overcast and foggy conditions, and a 30 mph wind gust, which may have contributed to the accident.
Who were the victims of the crash?
The six individuals on board the aircraft were identified as Captain Alan Alejandro Montoya Perales, Co-pilot Josué Juárez, Dr. Raúl Meza Arredondo, Paramedic Rodrigo López Padilla, pediatric patient Valentina Guzmán Murillo, and her mother, Lizeth Murillo Ozuna. All six were Mexican nationals. One person on the ground also lost their life in the crash.
What is the current status of the investigation?
The NTSB has completed the on-site phase of its investigation and is analyzing data from the aircraft’s flight data monitoring system. The cockpit voice recorder was found to be inoperative for several years prior to the crash. The NTSB is also evaluating a ground warning system that may contain flight data memory. Further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
How has the community been affected by the crash?
The crash has had a significant impact on the local community. Several homes and businesses in the Roosevelt Mall area were destroyed or damaged by the fires and explosions. The Philadelphia Fire Department and other emergency services responded promptly to contain the fires and assist those affected. A Friends and Relatives Center was established at Samuel Fels High School to support those impacted by the tragedy.
What is the Mexican government’s response to the crash?
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed condolences to the families of the victims and ordered the Secretary of Foreign Affairs to assist their families. The Mexican government is coordinating with U.S. authorities to support the investigation and provide assistance to the victims’ families.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Aircraft | Learjet 55 operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance |
| Departure | Northeast Philadelphia Airport |
| Destination | Tijuana International Airport, Mexico (with a planned refueling stop in Springfield, Missouri) |
| Crash Location | Castor Gardens neighborhood, near Roosevelt Mall, Philadelphia |
| Fatalities | 6 on board, 1 on the ground |
| Injuries | At least 24 on the ground |
| Weather Conditions | Light rain, overcast and foggy, 30 mph wind gusts, 6 miles visibility |
| Investigation Lead | National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) |
| Mexican Government Response | Condolences and assistance to victims’ families |
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Author: STAFF HERE PHILADELPHIA WRITER
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