1:01 am - February 24, 2025
A tragic incident unfolded in Philadelphia last week when a medevac jet crashed in a residential neighborhood, claiming the lives of seven people and leaving a young boy fighting for his life. The crash occurred on Friday night in the northeast part of the city, sending shockwaves through the community and prompting a thorough investigation into its cause. Among those who lost their lives was a father who was inside his car when the plane went down, while his young son, who was also in the vehicle, suffered severe injuries and is now in a critical condition. The medical examiner’s office has confirmed the identity of the father, and the family has asked for privacy as they focus on the child’s recovery.
The medevac jet, a twin-engine aircraft, was carrying a child patient, her mother, and four crew members, including a pilot, co-pilot, paramedic, and doctor. The plane was on a mission to transport the young patient back to Mexico after she had received treatment in Philadelphia for an illness. The flight was scheduled to make a stop for refueling before continuing to its final destination in Tijuana. However, the journey took a devastating turn when the jet crashed onto a road, causing a massive fire and scattering debris across several blocks. The impact was so severe that it also engulfed nearby vehicles, including the car where the father and his son were sitting.
First responders rushed to the scene and found one person dead inside a vehicle. The medical examiner later identified the man as 37-year-old Steven Dreuitt, a Philadelphia resident. His young son, Ramesses, was also in the car and sustained life-threatening injuries. According to the child’s grandmother, Virgen Viera, the 9-year-old boy suffered burns on 90% of his body and was airlifted to a specialized burn unit in Boston for treatment. The family is holding onto hope, with Viera expressing her trust in God during this incredibly difficult time. Dreuitt’s death and his son’s critical condition have added to the heartbreaking toll of the crash, which also claimed the lives of all six people aboard the jet.
In addition to the seven fatalities, at least 24 people on the ground were injured in the crash, according to Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker. The crash site spanned several blocks, with debris scattered across the area, making the recovery and investigation efforts challenging. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken the lead in investigating the cause of the crash, collecting debris and critical pieces of evidence, including the plane’s cockpit voice recorder and enhanced ground proximity warning system. These devices, which could provide crucial insights into the moments leading up to the crash, have been sent to an NTSB laboratory in Washington, D.C., for further analysis.
The six individuals who were on board the plane were identified as Mexican nationals, according to Mexico’s president. The group included the young patient, her mother, and the four crew members who were tasked with ensuring their safe transport. The patient had been receiving treatment at Shriners Children’s Hospital in Philadelphia for an undisclosed illness before the flight. The crew, which included experienced medical professionals, was part of Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, a company that specializes in medical transport services. The loss of these lives has resonated deeply with both the local community and the families of the victims, many of whom were far from home when the tragedy occurred.
As investigators work to piece together the events surrounding the crash, the community is coming together to support the families affected by this devastating incident. The crash has left many questions unanswered, and the NTSB’s findings will be critical in understanding what went wrong. Meanwhile, the story of Steven Dreuitt and his son Ramesses has captured the hearts of many, with the young boy’s fight for recovery serving as a poignant reminder of the fragility of life and the strength of the human spirit. The family’s request for privacy has been respected, but their story has inspired an outpouring of support and prayers from across the nation.