South
Philadelphia plane tragedy: Medical ambulance transporting pediatric patient crashes, explodes near homes
A medical ambulance plane transporting a young girl who had just received life-saving treatment crashed on a street Friday night near the Roosevelt Mall in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, the global ambulance flight company operating the plane, said its Learjet 55 crashed while departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport at about 6:30 p.m.
The company said there were four crew members and two passengers on the plane at the time – a pilot, copilot, physician, paramedic, pediatric patient and her mother. They were all Mexican nationals.
The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed the number of crew members and passengers.
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Air Ambulance spokesperson Shai Gold told Fox News Digital the patient was a Mexican national who was in the U.S. for life-saving medical treatment. At the end of treatment, she was released to go home.
The plane was scheduled to fly from Philadelphia to Tijuana International Airport, with one technical stop in Springfield, Missouri for fuel, according to Gold.
The FAA confirmed the plane was on its way to Missouri at the time of the crash.
The company could not confirm the identities or ages of anyone onboard until family is notified, but said it is unlikely there are survivors.
“The plane was loaded with jet fuel that’s highly flammable,” Gold said. “There is no indication that anybody survived, and by the debris field, I would be pleasantly surprised to learn otherwise.”
Air Ambulance is a Mexican-registered company that is licensed in Mexico and Florida, according to Gold. The aircraft was licensed, insured and accredited, he said.
“[There was] a very seasoned pilot [and a] very seasoned co-pilot,” Gold said. “They know the job, and they do it many times. We fly 600 to 700 missions a year. We are very busy, very active, and we keep top-notch staff.”
The same service helped transport Boston Red Sox star and MLB Hall of Famer David Ortiz in 2019 after he was shot at a bar in the Dominican Republic. Ortiz, who was severely wounded, survived emergency surgery.
The aircraft that went down was based out of the company’s headquarters in Mexico and Toluca International Airport, Gold confirmed.
Chilling audio from an air traffic control tower at Northeast Philadelphia Airport revealed the final moments before the crash.
The audio, obtained by Fox News Digital, reveals operators were desperately trying to make contact with the Learjet 55 before it crashed, but received no response.
“What’s going on down there?” one air traffic controller can be heard saying.
“We have a lost aircraft. We’re not exactly sure what happened. So, we’re trying to figure it out,” replies another air traffic controller. “The field is going to be closed so no inbounds-outbounds.”
Shriners Hospitals for Children confirmed in a statement to Fox News the girl received care at its Philadelphia location, which is 12 miles away from the airport.
“Because of patient privacy concerns, we cannot say any more about the patient and her family at this time,” the hospital wrote in the statement. “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the medical crew and pilots who were also lost in this tragic event – as well as all of the people who were affected on the ground – and we’re thankful to the first responders for their quick action.”
Nearby Temple University Hospital Jeanes Campus confirmed six patients were taken to the hospital.
Of the six, three were treated and released, the other three remain in “fair condition,” according to a hospital spokesperson.
It is unclear if the patients were plane occupants, or people on the ground at the time of the crash.
A senior Philadelphia fire official tells Fox News the fires that were sparked by the crash are “now under control.”
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Debris of the aircraft lies on the ground at the site of a plane crash in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., January 31, 2025. (REUTERS/Rachel Wisniewski)
The official said when the plane went down, it sprayed jet fuel, soaking nearby row homes. The homes then went up in flames. The fire official tells Fox News six houses and six cars caught on fire.
President Donald Trump took to Truth Social to react to the tragedy.
“So sad to see the plane go down in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. More innocent souls lost. Our people are totally engaged,” Trump wrote. “First Responders are already being given credit for doing a great job. More to follow. God Bless you all.”
Vice President JD Vance later took to X, calling the situation “very sad.”
“May God bless the victims and their families,” Vance wrote.
U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy posted on X that he briefed Trump and other officials on the disaster.
“Just briefed the President and @GovernorShapiro from FAA HQ. I offered the full support of the @USDOT to the Governor and local officials,” Duffy wrote. “Investigators are on site.”
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker at a press conference Friday night said she was unable to confirm the number of fatalities and asked for prayers.
“We know there will be loss in this region,” Parker said.
Rescue crews respond to a plane crash in northeast Philadelphia. (X /@KeeleyFox29)
Earlier, she advised locals not to touch anything and call 911 if they come across debris.
A medical oxygen tank donning the name of the transport company was seen on the ground outside a McDonald’s near the scene of the crash. A police commander told FOX 29’s Steve Keeley that there were “pieces everywhere.”
Rescue crews respond to a plane crash in northeast Philadelphia. (X / @lika_4649)
The City of Philadelphia posted on X, calling the incident “major.”
“Major incident near Cottman and Bustleton Avenues in Northeast Philadelphia across from Roosevelt Mall,” according to the post. “Roads closed in area including parts of Roosevelt Boulevard. Avoid area.”
City officials confirmed 45 state troopers are on the ground assisting.
A video shows the plane loudly crashing in the distance, with a burst of light covering the area.
Gov. Josh Shapiro posted on X, noting he was in communication with the mayor, police and fire departments.
“We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly,” Shapiro wrote. “We’ll continue to provide updates as more information is available.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation and the FAA will assist.
An NTSB investigator arrived on scene Friday night and additional team members will arrive Saturday, the agency wrote in a post on X.
The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives Philadelphia said it was also on site investigating.
Smoke rises as emergency personnel operate at the site of a plane crash in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S., January 31, 2025. (Rachel Wisniewski/Reuters)
The Philadelphia Eagles, who will face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX on Feb. 9, posted to X late Friday extending their condolences.
“The Eagles organization was heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of life earlier this evening as a result of the plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia,” the organization wrote in the post. “We extend our condolences to the victims and loved ones they leave behind. We are grateful to the first responders for their heroic actions at the scene.”
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The crash comes just days after an American Airlines passenger plane collided midair with an Army Black Hawk Helicopter near Reagan National Airport, killing 67 people.
This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.
Fox News Digital’s Jackson Thompson and Bradford Betz contributed to this story.
MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — Miami is hosting its first World Cup match Monday night when Saudi Arabia takes on Uruguay at 6 p.m. at Miami Stadium.
WATCH BELOW: Amerant Bank Arena holding free watch parties
Amerant Bank Arena hosting free World Cup watch parties
Uruguay arrived in South Florida on Sunday night after the team’s plane was delayed for a couple of hours in Mexico. The team held a training session in Cancun on Sunday morning before making the trip.
Miami is also hosting the FIFA Fan Festival at Bayfront Park in downtown Miami. The festival runs through July 5 and features live broadcasts of matches, interactive soccer experiences, food, family-friendly activities and special guest appearances.
Read more of our World Cup, soccer coverage
FBI Miami has security preparations in place for World Cup matches in South Florida and the fan festival. Security plans include strict drone bans at Miami Stadium and Bayfront Park. Violators could face $100,000 fines and jail time.
WATCH BELOW: World Cup in Miami: Transit options that could save you money
World Cup in Miami: Transit options that could save you money
Brightline is the official transit partner for the World Cup in Miami. Thousands of fans are heading to Miami Stadium for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and transit options like Brightline and Tri-Rail could save travelers significant money compared to driving and parking.
Miami Stadium will host a total of seven matches, with the final match at the venues scheduled for Saturday, July 18 at 5 p.m.
For the complete World Cup schedule, click here.
Read more of WPTV’s coverage below:
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This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
Each and every game is important in the NFL, but there are certain ones that probably carry more weight than others for the Dallas Cowboys. With one of the toughest schedules in the league, this is something the Cowboys need to take to heart this year. One single loss could be the difference between making the playoffs or not.
With that in mind, we decided to identify what we believe to be the five toughest games on Dallas’ schedule this year, excluding NFC East division rivals. Each one of these teams are playoff contenders, and as such, should be tough matchups for the Cowboys with playoff hopes hanging in the balance.
Week 5 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
After an international game in Rio de Janeiro against the Ravens followed by a road game against the Texans, the Buccaneers will come to Dallas. Due to all of the traveling in back-to-back weeks, anyway you look at it, this is a tough matchup against a talented team. Hopefully playing at AT&T Stadium for only the second time on the year will invigorate them and result in a victory. Otherwise, a loss could affect their postseason hopes as well as their seeding in the playoffs.
Week 6 @ Green Bay Packers
After facing the Buccaneers, the Cowboys get a 10-day reprieve before they hit the road again to take on the Packers. The matchup between these two teams last season ended in a 40-40 tie in overtime and is expected to be a close game once again. Green Bay always plays the Cowboys tough regardless of what’s on the line, but considering this could be Micah Parsons’ first game back this year there could be added incentive to win. Again, this is yet another important game for Dallas as far as how it impacts the postseason.
Week 10 vs. San Francisco 49ers
Ever since Kyle Shanahan started running things, the 49ers seem to have the Cowboys number. These two teams could potentially meet up in the playoffs if things play out right, making this a preview of a possible future. It also features two players who swapped teams via trade this offseason, Osa Odighizuwa and Dee Winters. This adds even more intrigue to an important matchup in the NFC. Hopefully the Cowboys can take advantage of home field advantage. A win here could cement them as serious contenders.
Week 13 @ Seattle Seahawks
Playing the defending Super Bowl champions in the tough environment at Lumen Field could possibly be considered the toughest game on the Cowboys schedule this season. While the Seahawks have lost some key players both offensively and defensively this offseason, they are still considered one of the top teams in the league this year. This will be a grueling matchup for the Cowboys considering the the top teams they face previously up to this point, but hopefully they can tough it out before heading into their bye week.
Week 15 @ Los Angeles Rams
After trading for Myles Garrett and the potential return of Aaron Donald from retirement, the Rams are one of the heavy Super Bowl favorites right now. This is a team who invested heavily on the defensive side of the ball and has enough talent on offense to stand toe to toe with Dak Prescott and Company. Dallas will be coming off their bye week hopefully rested and recuperated, but for the second game in a row will be attempting to pull off a victory on the road in hostile territory. At this point the season, this came could have huge playoff implications.
Atlanta, GA
Emerald United Foundation to Bond Out Nonviolent Fathers from Fulton County Jail Ahead of Father’s Day
As Atlanta welcomes the world this summer, a coalition of community organizations is working to make sure some of the city’s fathers are home in time for Father’s Day.
On Tuesday, June 16, the Emerald United Foundation, in partnership with Atlanta City Councilmembers Antonio Lewis and Byron Amos, will lead the Father’s Day Freedom Initiative — a citywide effort to bond out low-level, nonviolent fathers currently detained at Fulton County Jail. The action begins at 4 p.m. at the jail, located at 901 Rice Street in northwest Atlanta.
Nearly 77% of the individuals currently held in Fulton County Jail have not been convicted of a crime. Many remain incarcerated pretrial — separated from their children and households for weeks or months at a time — not because they pose a danger, but because they cannot afford to post bond.
“A family is not whole without its father,” said Brittany Brewster, founder and chair of the Emerald United Foundation. “Thousands of fathers remain detained for minor, nonviolent offenses — not because they are dangerous, but because they cannot afford to come home. As Atlanta welcomes the world this summer, we have a chance to show what this city’s values truly are. That starts with bringing fathers home.”
Building on the Mother’s Day Freedom Initiative
The June 16 effort builds on the momentum of EUF’s inaugural Mother’s Day Freedom Initiative, held May 7, which freed nonviolent mothers from Fulton County Jail and connected them to long-term wraparound support.
This time, coalition partner A Seat at the Table is making a landmark contribution, bonding out 11 fathers in coordination with EUF and the broader coalition — a demonstration, organizers say, of what becomes possible when community partners move together.
The timing carries added weight. The initiative unfolds as FIFA World Cup activities are underway at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Juneteenth observances approach — a moment of unprecedented national and global attention on Atlanta.
More Than a Bailout
Organizers stress that the initiative is designed not only to secure release, but to support full restoration, with onsite services available to participating fathers the moment they walk free.
Those services include emergency healthcare and transportation through Healthcare & Emergency Solutions; housing support through PAD Atlanta; additional housing and realty resources through Head of Household Realty; workforce placement through First Step Staffing; opioid recovery and treatment referrals through Men and Women of Excellence; mental health and therapeutic care through Mindful Discovery Therapeutic Solutions; violence prevention through the Emory Hillandale Hospital Violence Prevention Program; family reunification and reentry support through Motherhood Behind Bars; bonding services through AAA Assured Bonding Co.; and additional community support through A Seat at the Table, 11th and Co., and Mothers Against Gang Violence.
“The household is only as strong as the man that leads it. How can he lead behind bars?” Brewster said. “Every father returned home is a household made whole again — and that is what restoration looks like.”
Pain Transformed into Purpose
Brewster founded the Emerald United Foundation following the personal loss of her mother and brother. Built on the belief that pain can be transformed into purpose, the Atlanta-based nonprofit is dedicated to empowering youth, strengthening families, and restoring hope in underserved communities through strategic partnerships, direct services, and community-led programming.
A community engagement and economic development professional with more than a decade of experience, Brewster currently serves as Community Engagement Manager at Atlanta BeltLine, Inc., and has held leadership roles within three offices of the City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office. Over the course of her career, she has raised more than $1.5 million in funding and launched citywide initiatives in partnership with organizations including Amazon, Coca-Cola, and UNCF.
How to Get Involved
Community members interested in supporting or participating in the Father’s Day Freedom Initiative are encouraged to register at EmeraldUnited.org or by contacting [email protected]. Space is limited, and confirmed participants will receive additional event details upon registration.
What: Father’s Day Freedom Initiative
When: Tuesday, June 16, 2026 — 4 p.m.
Where: Fulton County Jail, 901 Rice Street, Atlanta
The Atlanta Voice is a media partner of the Father’s Day Freedom Initiative.
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