Northeast Philadelphia plane crash memorial service marks 1 year since the tragedy
Community members in Northeast Philadelphia gathered for a memorial honoring the victims and the neighborhood forever changed after last year's deadly medical plane crash.
Saturday, Jan. 31, marks one year since the tragedy, in which all six people aboard the plane and two people on the ground were killed, along with over 20 others injured by debris and fires. Others lost their vehicles or suffered damage to their homes and businesses.
The memorial ceremony was held at the Engine 71 Fire Station on Cottman Avenue Saturday afternoon.
Mayor Cherelle Parker, state lawmakers and a Mexico official attended the event. The event was invite-only due to limited space.
The event paid tribute to victims, community members, and first responders — including members of the Engine 71, the first fire company on the scene.
People living in the community are still going through the healing process.
Heavy flames from when the plane crashed near Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman Avenue lit up the sky, leaving many people in shock.
A homeowner we spoke to says the recovery has been slow and emotional, and one year later he continues to feel sorry for those impacted.
"When the explosion happens, the fire came up. I was at my window, and the flame came right up to my window. I feel sorry for the families," Tim Davenport said. "Personally, I was just really shaken up."
"It was a tragedy, it was something that we'll never forget about," Gerry Davenport said.
Business owners along the bustling commercial corridor felt the impact too.
Greg Ott, owner of Ott Insurance Group, is grateful for a nearby auto business that let him use office space for five months while his damaged building was being repaired.
"I'm sure there's some buildings that are still not repaired, just for insurance reasons or they just didn't have the finances," Ott said. "But overall, we're all back [up and] running. ... Of course the financial impact is there, but fortunately I've been here for 30 years — our clients really came through and they supported us."
Hope and healing after tragedy
A wreath is placed near the area where the medical jet crashed exactly one year ago.
A total of eight people were killed, including all six souls on board the jet. Close to two dozen were hurt on the ground.
"Tonight was joy, love, appreciation," Amira Brown said. Her grandson, Ramesses Vazquez-Viana, was severely injured as fiery debris rained down near Roosevelt Mall along Cottman Avenue.
Ramesses' father and his father's girlfriend were killed after their car caught fire. Ramesses was able to escape the car, but he sustained burns on 90% of his body
"Ramesses is continuing to fight," Brown said. "He's still getting strong every day."
"In the face of heartbreak, neighbors supported neighbors," Mayor Cherelle Parker said.
City officials recalled the heroism of that night from inside Fire Department Engine 71 and Ladder 28. Both companies were first to respond to the disaster.
"I can't tell you how proud I am of the men and women of the fire department rushing into the danger - the scope of it," Jeffrey Thompson, commissioner of the Philadelphia Fire Department, said.
The plane left Northeast Philadelphia Airport carrying a pediatric patient.
It's final destination was Tijuana, Mexico. But moments after takeoff, something went terribly wrong. The plane shifted course and slammed into the ground.
"Multiple vehicles and homes were destroyed - an entire neighborhood was impacted," Thompson said. "I've witnessed a lot, but nothing compares to this."
A year later, officials say the scars run deep and pain lingers. But, there's pride and gratitude for the city pausing to remember what is a somber occasion.
"I'm just so thankful for everyone coming out to support me and not just me, the people who also lost their lives," Brown said. "I'm very grateful."
Mexican Consul Carlos Obrador Garrido Cuesta spoke at the event and praised Mayor Parker's leadership through the tragedy.
"We gather today to remember an event that profoundly maked the city of Philadelphia and many families, both here and in Mexico," Cuesta said. "On behalf of the consulate of Mexico, I extend our sincere gratitude."
Cuesta thanked first responders and state authorities for coordination the return of the victims' remains to their families in Mexico.
"We acknowledge as well, the individuals and families who were involved in this accident and whose lives were changed by it, and we extend our solidarity to them," Cuesta said. "We send them our thoughts and best wishes to Ramesses Vazquez-Viana, who continues his recovery and reminds us that even in tragedy, hopes endures."
The NTSB is expected to release more on the investigation into what went wrong in the air that night over Northeast Philadelphia in July.
