A 10-year-old boy, Andre Howard, is being celebrated as a hero after protecting his younger sister from flying debris during a fatal plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia on January 31, 2025. The medical transport jet, carrying six people, crashed near Roosevelt Mall, tragically killing everyone onboard and a motorist on the ground. Amidst the chaos and danger, Andre’s quick thinking and selfless act saved his sister’s life.
Young Hero’s Bravery Amidst Tragedy
Andre was in the car with his father and siblings when the plane crashed near the bustling Roosevelt Mall at Cottman and Bustleton Avenues. As debris rained down on their vehicle, Andre’s father, also named Andre Howard, witnessed his son’s incredible bravery. “My son…tells his little sister, ‘Get down,’ “ Howard recounted. “And he grabs her, I hear the glass shatter. I turn around, there’s a piece of metal sticking out of my son’s head from the plane.”
The horrific scene unfolded quickly. The plane, en route from Northeast Philadelphia Airport to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri, with a final destination of Mexico, crashed mere moments after takeoff. The aircraft carried two passengers, a mother and daughter, and four crew members. According to flight logs, the plane was airborne for only about a minute before tragedy struck.
A Community Rallies Around a Young Hero
In the aftermath of the crash, a Good Samaritan rushed to Andre’s aid, using his shirt to apply pressure to the boy’s head wound. Police swiftly transported the family to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where Andre underwent emergency surgery. Later, he was transferred to Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
Doctors initially feared the worst, telling the family that Andre might not walk again. However, defying the odds, Andre has shown remarkable progress in his recovery. His mother, Lashawn Hamiel, describes him as a “strong, he’s a jokester, but he’s strong. He’s a superhero.”
Facing Death, Showing Strength: Andre’s Inspiring Journey
Andre’s father, overwhelmed with pride and gratitude, shared, “To face death yesterday and speaking today, stepping up for his little sister, like I train him and his other little brothers to do off of instinct. He’s my hero.” Andre’s resilience and courage have touched the hearts of many, inspiring hope amidst tragedy.
The road to recovery will be long and challenging for Andre. To help alleviate the financial burden of his medical expenses, rehabilitation, and physical therapy, the family has established a GoFundMe page. The campaign aims to cover costs not covered by insurance and ensure Andre receives the best possible care. “Andre’s family is overwhelmed with the emotional and financial burden of this unexpected tragedy,” the GoFundMe description reads. “His medical care, which includes surgeries, therapy and ongoing treatment, will be extensive.”
Philadelphia Plane Crash: A City in Mourning
The plane crash has left a profound impact on the Philadelphia community. Mayor Cherelle Parker, in a press conference held on February 3, 2025, confirmed that 24 people were injured in the crash, with four remaining hospitalized and two in critical condition. The city mourns the loss of the six individuals onboard the plane and the motorist who perished in the accident.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is currently investigating the cause of the crash. Preliminary reports indicate that the plane experienced a sudden loss of power shortly after takeoff.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Philadelphia Plane Crash
Q: What caused the Philadelphia plane crash?
A: The NTSB is currently investigating the cause of the crash. Preliminary findings suggest a sudden loss of power shortly after takeoff.
Q: How many people died in the crash?
A: Seven people died in the crash: six onboard the plane and one motorist on the ground.
Q: How is Andre Howard doing now?
A: Andre is recovering at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and making significant progress, defying initial expectations. He is expected to undergo extensive rehabilitation and physical therapy.
Q: How can I help Andre and his family?
A: You can contribute to the family’s GoFundMe campaign to help cover Andre’s medical expenses and support his recovery journey. The link to the GoFundMe can be found here.
