Seven people were killed—including one on the ground—when a medical transport jet crashed into a Philadelphia neighborhood on the night of Jan. 31, officials said in a Feb. 1 morning update, warning that the death toll could rise as investigators and responders work through the devastation.

The plane—a Learjet 55 operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance—was carrying a child patient, her mother, and four others when it plunged to the ground shortly after takeoff and exploded.

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed in a Feb. 1 statement that all six people on board the plane died and one more perished on the ground.

“At least 19 treated at multiple area hospitals. Investigation active and ongoing,” Parker stated. “Much more work remains to be done. Please stay home and safe.”

Adam Thiel, the city’s managing director, said it could be days before authorities are able to give a full account of the dead and injured, saying that it’s “entirely possible” the death toll could rise.

All six people aboard were from Mexico. The child patient on board had been treated in Philadelphia for a life-threatening condition and was being transported home, according to Jet Rescue spokesperson Shai Gold. After a scheduled stop in Missouri, the flight’s final destination was to be Tijuana.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum expressed her condolences to the families of the deceased in a Feb. 1 post on social media. Sheinbaum said she had directed Mexico’s foreign affairs secretary to provide whatever support is needed.

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro said in a Feb. 1 post on social media that emergency crews were continuing their response to the tragic incident and urged residents to heed any official warnings or advisories.

“In the face of this tragedy, Philadelphia is responding in the Philly way—law enforcement protecting our communities, neighbors helping neighbors, Pennsylvanians working together,” he wrote. “Please continue listening to local authorities, be patient, and hug the ones you love.”

Traffic closures remain in effect in the area of the crash. The Philadelphia Office of Emergency Management (OEM) urged people in a Feb. 1 update to avoid the area and advised drivers to use alternate routes and expect long delays.

“Traffic closures remain in place due to aircraft crash response and investigation,” the Philadelphia OEM said in a statement. “Outer lanes of the Roosevelt Boulevard closed approaching Cottman Avenue. Cottman Avenue closed between Bustleton and Brous Avenues. Expect closures to be extended. Please avoid the area.”

Red Cross Philadelphia said that volunteers had opened a shelter at Samuel Fels High School, where four people spent the night of Jan. 31. The organization expressed gratitude for an outpouring of community support but advised against people bringing donations such as food or clothing to the shelter.

“We understand people want to help and appreciate the support. Right now, the Red Cross has what it needs to support the community,” the Red Cross said in a statement. “We ask that you not bring material donations such as clothing or food to the shelter. We’re working to identify partners to handle donations.”

Investigators work the scene after a Jan. 31 small plane crash in Philadelphia, on Feb. 1, 2025. (Matt Rourke /AP Photo)

Shortly after taking off from the airport at 6:06 p.m. and climbing to an altitude of 1,600 feet, the plane disappeared from radar, according to the flight tracking website Flight Aware.

The plane crashed in a busy intersection near Roosevelt Mall, an outdoor shopping center in the densely populated neighborhood of Rhawnhurst. The crash happened less than three miles from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, which primarily serves business jets and charter flights.

Investigators work the scene after a Jan. 31 small plane crash in Philadelphia, on Feb. 1, 2025. (Matt Rourke /AP Photo)

At a news conference late on Jan. 31, Shapiro described the incident as an “awful aviation disaster” and said that multiple fatalities were expected.

Videos circulating on social media capture the plane plummeting before erupting into a massive explosion. Footage also shows black smoke rising from burning wreckage on a city street, with scattered debris and bystanders in shock. Another clip shows police securing the area as firefighters battle multiple fires.

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy wrote on social media that the plane was en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.

Duffy added that both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would investigate.

First responders work the scene after a small plane crashed in Philadelphia on Jan. 31, 2025. (Matt Rourke /AP Photo)

The Epoch Times has reached out to the NTSB and the FAA with requests for additional information.

The crash occurred just days after an American Airlines passenger plane and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided midair near Reagan National Airport, resulting in 67 fatalities.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.