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Eagles, 76ers issue statements on tragic Philadelphia plane crash

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery•about 9 hours
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Del Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

There was a second tragic plane crash in the United States in a span of three days on Friday night. Learjet 55, operated by Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, crashed into Northeast Philadelphia, causing a massive explosion. The tragic accident killed at least six people, including two pilots, one doctor, a paramedic, a pediatric patient, and the patient’s mother onboard. The exact number of casualties currently remains unknown.

Shortly after the news broke on Friday evening, the Philadelphia Eagles and Philadelphia 76ers both issued statements on Twitter.

Philadelphia Eagles, 76ers statements on tragic crash

Here is the statement below from the Eagles.

“The Eagles organization was heartbroken to learn of the tragic loss of life earlier this evening as a result of the plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia. We extend our condolences to the victims and loved ones they leave behind. We are grateful to the first responders for their heroic actions at the scene,” the Eagles statement read on Twitter.

Here is the statement from the Philadelphia 76ers.

“Prior to tonight’s game, we learned of a plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia. While we await more information, we send our thoughts and prayers to all of those impacted. We also extend our gratitude to the first responders on-site for their efforts this evening,” the Sixers statement read.

Six people with injuries attributed to the crash were taken to Temple University Hospital–Jeanes Campus, near Northeast Philadelphia, where three were listed in fair condition and three others were treated and released, a spokesperson for Temple said.

It wasn’t clear where the patients were when the aircraft struck the ground.

The Learjet 55 departed from Northeast Philadelphia Airport en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, the FAA said in a statement on Friday evening via an article from Dennis Romero of NBC News. A spokesperson for Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, Shai Gold, told NBC Philadelphia the patient was a child who had come to the USA for “life-saving treatment” and was returning to Mexico.

Shortly after the incident, Shriners Children’s Hospital issued a press release on Twitter from Mel Bower, their Chief Marketing and Communications Officer. The statement gave further insight about the people onboard the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance.

Shriners Children’s Hospital statement on tragic plane crash

“Shriners Children’s is heartbroken to confirm that one of our pediatric patients and the child’s mother were aboard the Jet Rescue Air Ambulance that crashed in Philadelphia this evening. The patient had received care from Shriners Children’s Philadelphia and was being transported back to her home country in Mexico on a contracted air ambulance when the crash happened. Because of patient privacy concerns, we cannot say any more about the patient and her family at this time,” the statement read.

“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 statement finished.