Authorities have identified the six victims, including a mother and her daughter, who tragically lost their lives in a small plane crash in Philadelphia. The medical transport jet, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, was involved in a fatal incident that left another individual on the ground dead.
Increased injury count and ongoing investigations
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker provided an update on Sunday, revealing that the number of injuries had risen to 22, with five individuals hospitalized, three of whom are in critical condition. Investigators are still in the process of locating the aircraft’s black box, which is crucial for determining the cause of the crash, according to officials.
“We’re poring over every bit of material that has been available,” stated Mayor Parker.
A spokesperson for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance disclosed the identities of the victims to CBS News, stating that all were Mexican citizens. Among them was a child who was traveling for medical treatment. The victims have been identified as Captain Alan Alejandro Montoya Perales, co-pilot Josue de Jesus Juarez Juarez, Doctor Raul Meza Arredondo, Rodrigo Lopez Padilla, Valentina Guzman Murillo, and Lizeth Murillo Ozuna.
Crash site details and community impact
The crash occurred on Friday, just blocks from the Roosevelt Mall, a three-story shopping center situated in a densely populated area of Philadelphia, which is the fifth-largest city in the United States. The vicinity is characterized by terraced housing and numerous shops. In the aftermath of the incident, many residents experienced power outages.
Authorities are currently assessing the damage to the residential area. While it remains unclear how many residents have been displaced, city officials confirmed that 11 properties sustained significant damage. A temporary shelter set up at a local high school has seen an average of six occupants per night, indicating the impact on the community. Several businesses in the area also reported disruptions due to the crash.
Although some streets surrounding the crash site remain closed, Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel indicated that certain lanes might reopen to traffic as early as Monday. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), along with local agencies, are actively investigating the incident. Preliminary findings from the NTSB suggest that the flight ascended to approximately 1,500 feet before entering a steep descent, leading to a high-impact crash that lasted under one minute.
While investigators have recovered two engines from the wreckage, the black box remains missing. Residents in the area have been urged to report any debris they may encounter, as the investigation continues to unfold.