Medical Transport Jet Crashes in Philadelphia, Engulfing Homes and Vehicles in Flames

Another tragic aviation accident unfolded in Northeast Philadelphia Friday night, when a medical transport jet crashed shortly after takeoff, engulfing homes and vehicles in flames. The Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was carrying six individuals, including four crew members, a pediatric patient, and her mother, when it crashed near the Roosevelt Mall around 6:30 p.m. local time after departing from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.  The aircraft was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, with the ultimate destination being Tijuana, Mexico, for the child who had received life-saving treatment in Philadelphia. The patient was a girl, and her treatment was sponsored by an international charity, according to Shai Gold, a spokesperson for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.  Immediate chaos ensued as the plane plummeted, creating a massive fireball visible across the neighborhood. Eyewitness accounts described the scene vividly. One witness told WPVI-TV, "I j...