A tragic medevac jet crash in Philadelphia has claimed the lives of seven individuals, with a young boy now critically injured, Philadelphia officials confirm.
The Philadelphia neighborhood was the scene of devastation when a medevac jet crashed, resulting in casualties both on board and on the ground. Among those killed was Steven Dreuitt, a 37-year-old Philadelphia resident, who was inside his vehicle at the time of the crash. The incident also left his 9-year-old son, Ramesses, severely injured. The child suffered burns over 90% of his body and is currently undergoing treatment in a burn unit in Boston.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is actively investigating the causes behind this catastrophic event. Efforts have been focused on collecting debris that spanned over a four to six-block area in northeast Philadelphia. Key components such as the cockpit voice recorder and the enhanced ground proximity warning system were retrieved from the crash site and are being analyzed in Washington, D.C.
This accident involved a twin-engine medevac jet operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance. On board were six individuals, including a pediatric patient and her mother, who were returning to Mexico after treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia. The crew comprised a pilot, co-pilot, paramedic, and doctor. Tragically, all six onboard were Mexican nationals, according to a statement from the President of Mexico.
The medevac jet was en route to Tijuana, Mexico, with a planned refueling stop in Springfield. However, the crash occurred before reaching its destination, leading to significant loss of life and injuries on the ground.
Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker reported that at least 24 ground injuries resulted from the crash, in addition to the fatality of Mr. Dreuitt. Meanwhile, the family of young Ramesses has requested privacy as they focus on his recovery. His grandmother, Virgen Viera, expressed her reliance on faith during this critical time.
The community and officials are calling for a thorough investigation to uncover the reasons behind this tragic crash, as NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy assured the public of their commitment to determining the cause and fostering safety in aerial medical transport.
The Philadelphia medevac jet crash has left a community in mourning while spotlighting the importance of air traffic safety. As investigations continue, families affected by this tragedy are left coping with the loss and focusing on the recovery of the injured.
