'Young' Child and Mother Among the 7 People Confirmed Killed in Philadelphia Plane Crash: 'This Is a Tragedy'

Mar. 15, 2025

Investigators on the scene of Philadelphia plane crash on Feb. 1.Photo:Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty

Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty

The office of Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker shared in areleasethat a medical transportation jet had been transporting the mother and daughter — along with four crew members — to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri before it crashed at approximately 6:10 p.m. local time.

In a second update posted onsocial media, Parker confirmed seven people in total died due to the crash with multiple injuries also reported.

“We can officially disclose 6 perished in the plane,” she wrote in a statement. “At least one more person perished in the incident.”

She continued, “At least 19 treated at multiple area hospitals, Investigation active and ongoing. We are working closely with NTSB, all our local, state and federal partners. We’re grateful for everyone’s assistance.”

According to the mayor’s office, the “young child” — who has not yet been identified — was being “treated for illness” at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia and was set to travel home to Mexico, where she lived.

Response teams on site in Philadelphia following the Jan. 31 plane crash.Kyle Mazza/Anadolu via Getty

Shriners Children’s Hospital spokesperson Mel Bower toldCBS Newsthat the child’s treatment had ended at the hospital and she had been on her way home when the plane crashed. He noted that several of the medical staff who treated her are in mourning, as patients are like their family.

“It’s extremely hard and extremely difficult, those that were involved directly in her care were very aware that she was going to be traveling home and there had actually been a sendoff for her today,” Bower said.

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When asked if the child enjoyed the sendoff celebration before flying out, Bower said, “I’m certain that she did.”

He continued, “Our staff – they work so hard at bringing joy and laughter and excitement into all parts of the clinical aspect. Our patients don’t look at it as going to the hospital. They go to a place where they have fun and have enjoyment.”

In a separate statement, Shriners Children’s Hospital told PEOPLE, “Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the medical crew and pilots who were also lost in this tragic event — as well as all of the people who were affected on the ground — and we’re thankful to the first responders for their quick action.”

The incident comes two days after aBlack Hawk helicopter collided with an American Airlines flightin Washington D.C., killing 67 people.

source: people.com