The operator of a medevac jet that crashed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on Friday evening has released new photos showing the interior of the aircraft prior to the tragic incident.
Jet Rescue Air, the company responsible for the medical transport, confirmed that the crash resulted in the deaths of at least seven individuals and injuries to 19 others. They shared three images of the plane’s interior, highlighting the setup referred to as a “flying ICU.” A spokesperson for the company stated, “those are the pics of the actual aircraft’s interior. You can see its setup.”
The released photos depict a stretcher covered with a white sheet, surrounded by a variety of medical equipment designed to monitor vital signs and provide care to patients. The layout includes two seats next to the stretcher and two additional seats positioned at the foot of the stretcher.
Additionally, Jet Rescue Air provided an image of a black box similar to the one on the jet, which has not yet been recovered from the crash site. “This picture is a voice recorder,” the company explained. “It records conversations between the pilots and the control tower, as well as communications among the flight crew. This is what we’re looking for. The plane has an identical box to this. This is not the box from the plane.”
COMPANY OPERATING PLANE IN PHILLY CRASH HAD PREVIOUS FATAL INCIDENT IN MEXICO: REPORTS
On Friday, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance reported that its Learjet 55 crashed shortly after taking off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport around 6:30 p.m. The incident occurred on a street near Roosevelt Mall. Onboard were four crew members and two passengers—a pediatric patient and her mother—who were all Mexican nationals, en route to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.
Shai Gold, managing director of corporate strategy and communications for Jet Rescue Air, informed ABC 6 news that there was “absolutely no indication” of any technical issues with the aircraft prior to the crash. He emphasized that the maintenance records of the airplane were “impeccable,” and the company adheres strictly to manufacturer specifications.
Gold also praised the crew, stating, “The flight team [is] very experienced. We pick the best of the best to fly those air ambulances. These are very careful, very seasoned individuals.”