The company said a pilot, copilot, flight physician and paramedic, along with a pediatric patient and their escort were on the plane. Mayor Cherelle L. Parker confirmed that the six people aboard the plane died, and she revealed at a Saturday morning news conference that a seventh person who was in a car also perished.
The death toll could rise because some people are still receiving treatment, Philadelphia Managing Director Adam Thiel said. At least 19 on the ground were injured, Parker said, although she cautioned the number was still in flux. Near the crash site on Cottman Avenue, houses and cars caught fire Friday evening.
Jefferson Health provided care for 15 individuals, spokesperson Deana Gamble said. Of those, 12 have since been discharged, two were admitted for further care, and one was transferred to another hospital.
Parts of Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman and Bustleton avenues remained closed Saturday as investigators combed the scene where the plane crashed. The crash caused power outages and a minimal service interruption for Philadelphia Gas Works.
Josh Shapiro visited the crash site and offered praise and prayer. The girl had stayed at the hospital for about four months and made a strong impression on the staff and other patients she had befriended, Bower said. Shriners provides care to patients from countries, and uses medical transport flights on an almost daily basis, Bower said. Then, he heard a loud boom. He had been running a routine errand, driving to the AutoZone a couple of minutes from his home to get a new radiator.
