Medical transport aircraft crashes in the U.S., at least 6 aboard killed

On Wednesday night, an American Airlines jet carrying 60 passengers and four crew members collided in midair in Washington, D.C.

- Associated Press

PHILADELPHIA: A medical transport jet transporting a child who had just completed treatment for a life-threatening condition, her mother and four crew members crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood shortly after takeoff on Friday evening, exploding in a fireball that engulfed several homes.

Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, which operated the Learjet 55, said in a statement: "We cannot confirm any survivors." There was no immediate word whether anyone on the ground was killed, but at least six people were treated for injuries at a hospital.

Everyone aboard the flight was from Mexico. The child was being transported home, according to Jet Rescue spokesperson Shai Gold. The flight's final destination was Tijuana after a stop in Missouri.

The patient and her mother were on board along with four crew members.

Gold said this was a seasoned crew and everyone involved in these flights goes through rigorous training.