The airline whose plane crashed to the ground overnight at the cost of six lives, including a little girl and her mother, have made a sad five-word statement on the disaster. The family on board were being transported back to Mexico after medical treatment in the US when it suddenly fell to the ground seconds after take off in Philadelphia . It exploded into a huge fireball which engulfed several homes as emergency crews rushed to the scene, where several were hurt on the ground.

In a sad update, Jet Rescue Air Ambulance, which operated the Learjet 55, said in a statement: “We cannot confirm any survivors.”. Jet Rescue spokesperson Shai Gold added: “When an incident like this happens, it’s shocking and surprising. All of the aircraft are maintained, not a penny is spared because we know our mission is so critical.”. The recovery mission continues, and people have been warned to stay away from the Northeastern Philadelphia neighborhood in the meantime. Debris covers city streets and homes are destroyed, witnesses say.

Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro said at a news conference late Friday how officials expect fatalities in this “awful aviation disaster.” He added: "We know there will be loss.". Videos and photos taken from the scene show a massive rescue response , with dozens of fire engines moving towards the area. Other photos show an explosion as the plane went down in what is primarily a residential neighbourhood.

Flight data showed a small jet taking off from the airport at 6:06 p.m. and disappearing from radar about 30 seconds later after climbing to an altitude of 1,600 feet (487 metres). The plane crashed in a busy intersection near Roosevelt Mall, an outdoor shopping centre where first responders are blocking traffic and onlookers are crowded onto a street corner in the residential neighborhood of Rhawnhurst. Philadelphia’s emergency management office said that roads are closed in the area.

The FAA said the National Transportation Safety Board will lead the investigation. The NTSB, which investigates air crashes, said it was gathering information about the crash. Friday's tragedy came less than 48 hours after the collision of a passenger jet with a US Army helicopter in Washington DC on Wednesday. The flight, carrying 60 passengers and four crew, plummeted into the river below after colliding with the Blackhawk chopper shortly before landing. At least 67 people have been confirmed dead.