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Six presumed dead in crash of medical plane near busy mall in Philadelphia

Jan. 31 (UPI) -- A small medical plane with six occupants, including a child patient and her mother, crashed near Roosevelt Mall in Northeast Philadelphia shortly after takeoff Friday night. No survivors were found and six people were injured on the ground.

The crash was two days after the most deadly aircraft crash in 24 years: 64 aboard American Eagle Flight 5342 and an Army Black Hawk helicopter with three soldiers that collided and crashed into the Potomac River near Reagan Washington National Airport.

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The Federal Aviation Administration reported that a twin engine Learjet 55 crashed at 6:30 p.m. EST after leaving Northeast Philadelphia Airport.

"At this time, we cannot confirm any survivors," Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, who provides medical services in North American, South American and Europe, said.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo confirmed those on the plane died.

"I regret the death of six Mexicans in the plane crash in Philadelphia," she posted on X in Spanish on Saturday. "The consular authorities are in permanent contact with the families. I have asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to support them in whatever way is required. My solidarity with their loved ones and friends."

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People injured on the ground were sent to Temple University Hospital-Jeanes Campus after the crash, a spokesperson from the hospital confirmed to CNN. Three patients were treated and discharged, while the three others are in "fair condition," the spokesperson said.

The jet, with two pilots and two medical personnel, was on the way to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri en route to its final destination of Tijuana, Mexico.

The girl was treated at Shriners Children's Hospital in northeast Philadelphia, city officials said Saturday.

The FAA said they will investigate the crash with the National Transportation Safety Board.

On X, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro posted, "I've spoken with @PhillyMayor and my team is in communication with @PhillyPD, @PhilaOEM, and @PhillyFireDept. We are offering all Commonwealth resources as they respond to the small private plane crash in Northeast Philly. We'll continue to provide updates as more information is available."

Emergency crews were on the scene as several homes and vehicles near the mall caught fire.

At a news conference, Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker said, "As of right now, we have no reports on the number of fatalities. So right now, we're just asking for prayers. For any and everyone who may have been affected."

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