A Mt. Airy father was among those who perished when a medical transport plane crashed in Northeast Philadelphia Friday evening, landing in a fiery blaze that killed seven people and injured 24, officials said Saturday.

His son and his girlfriend, a longtime baker for High Point Cafe in Mt. Airy, were in the car with him when the plane hit. Both suffered severe, life-threatening injuries and remained in critical condition as of press time on Tuesday, according to city sources and news reports corroborated by local neighborhood sources.

At the request of the family, the Local is withholding the names of these local victims. But High Point Cafe has set up a fundraising page on GoFundMe.

The man driving the car was out shopping when the Learjet 55 went down around 6:06 p.m., igniting his car in flames. 

As of press time on Tuesday, a total of four victims of the crash remain hospitalized. Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the cause of the crash.

The medical transport jet, carrying a pediatric patient, her mother, and four crew members, crashed just one minute after takeoff from Northeast Philadelphia Airport. All six people aboard the aircraft perished. 

The crash sparked fires in five residences and multiple vehicles and left debris scattered across Cottman Avenue. According to city officials, a total of 11 homes were damaged.

Fire companies arrived at 6:11 p.m., prompting a three-alarm response that brought more than 150 Philadelphia Fire Department members to the scene. It took two hours to bring the fire under control.

“This was a challenging fire for the Philadelphia Fire Department – which is one of the best in the country,” Fire Commissioner Jeffrey Thompson said at a Monday press conference. “But this incident isn’t something that most fire departments see. It took a lot of resources, and some out-of-the-box thinking.”

Mayor Cherelle Parker, who has been leading the city response, said at a press conference on Monday that all of the city’s responders are working to help those affected.

"We are devastated by the tragic loss of life and my thoughts and prayers are with the families and loved ones of the victims, as well as each person injured by this terrible tragedy," Parker said. 

City responders include teams from the Philadelphia Police Department, Office of Emergency Management, Managing Director's Office, PECO, Philadelphia Gas Works, and other federal and state partners. The PA Emergency Management Agency, the Department of Environmental Protection, and the American Red Cross of Southeastern Pennsylvania are also helping. 

Parker said she has been touched by the way that neighbors are turning out to help neighbors. 

"We know people want to help others displaced by this incident, and we are touched by the outpouring of brotherly love and sisterly affection during these difficult times for so many," she said. 

 "This tragic incident has deeply impacted our entire city," said Police Commissioner Kevin J. Bethel. "I am extremely proud of our officers, who have been working hard on the ground since the moment the crash occurred – supporting rescue efforts, securing the surrounding area, and ensuring the safety of everyone involved."

The impact zone spans a four-to-five-block perimeter, and several roads remain closed. Cottman Avenue is closed between Bustleton Avenue and Roosevelt Boulevard, including sidewalks and the Cottman Avenue bridge. Pedestrians and SEPTA riders are being directed to alternative routes, including the Friendship Street signalized crossing, 1,000 feet south of Cottman Avenue.

According to Managing Director Adam K. Thiel, it will take weeks to complete a thorough search of the area, though teams are working to restore traffic flow, power, and business operations as quickly as possible. 

"We are working around the clock in collaboration with all of our partners – this is an intergovernmental effort," Parker added.

The city has set up a 24-hour shelter at Samuel Fels High School for displaced residents, operated by the Office of Emergency Management and the American Red Cross. Mental health services are available through the city's Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services, and property owners can contact the American Red Cross for damage support and claim assistance.

A town hall meeting to address community concerns is scheduled for 7 p.m., Wednesday, Feb. 5, at Solomon Solis-Cohen Elementary School. 

The aircraft was headed to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, with a final destination in Mexico, where the child was returning after treatment at Shriners Children's Hospital in Northeast Philadelphia.

Kristin Holmes, Tommy Tucker and Maggie Dougherty contributed to this report.