The Archbishop of Philadelphia, Most Rev Nelson J. Pérez, has called for prayer following a fatal air crash in the city on Friday, which came just two days after a deadly midair collision near Washington.
"This shocking tragedy comes with great loss, pain, and anxiety for the families of the crew and passengers, as well as local residents and business owners," the Archbishop said. "We pray fervently that God will bring comfort and healing in this time of anguish."
The crash occurred minutes after a medical flight took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport when the Learjet 55 plunged into a busy intersection. The fiery wreckage affected a shopping mall and residential areas, leaving a wide debris field.
At least seven people have died, including six Mexican nationals aboard the flight—two pilots, a physician, a paramedic, and a young patient and her mother. A seventh victim was in a car on the ground. The crash injured 19 people, three of whom remain hospitalised.
President Trump expressed condolences, praising first responders. Archbishop Nelson urged the public to "unite in prayer" and show compassion for those suffering from the crash, especially the emergency personnel working at the scene.
"May our Blessed Mother protect them as they work tirelessly to assist the injured and safeguard the community," he said.