Boy, 10, impaled by plane debris while saving sister

A young boy who shielded his sister from a plane crash was rushed to hospital after a piece of metal went through a car windscreen and into his head.

A little boy was left with a metal rod sticking out of his head as he shielded his sister when a medical plane crashed onto a busy Philadelphia street on Friday.

Andre III “Trey” Howard, 10, was with his father Andre Howard Jr and two younger siblings, ages four and 7, grabbing doughnuts when a Jet Rescue Air plane crashed by the Roosevelt Mall, killing all six people on board, one person on the ground and injuring 24 others.

Among those who suffered horrific injuries were young Trey who was struck in the head with metal.

He was taken to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital, where he underwent brain surgery. His family were told, “there was a strong chance he might not survive”.

But miraculously, he woke up and asked two pressing questions – about his sister’s safety and if he missed this Sunday’s Super Bowl between his favourite team the Philadelphia Eagles and Kansas City Chiefs.

Andre III “Trey” Howard, 10, was shielding his sister from a plane crash when debris from the doomed jet went through the car windscreen and into his head. Picture: GoFundMe

“He asked me, ‘Daddy, what’s today?’ I was like, ‘Monday.’ ‘OK, wait. We didn’t play yesterday did we?’ ‘No, you didn’t miss the Super Bowl’,” his father Andre told ABC News.

Trey then asked: “Daddy, did I save my sister?”

“It had me crying,” Andre said.

“’You told us to get down. I was just trying to help my sister … next thing I know, I thought I died’,” Trey said in the hospital, according to Andre.

The crash happened around 6pm (Saturday Australian time) shortly after the Learjet 55 – an American-French business jet – departed Northeast Philadelphia Airport to travel to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri.

The young boy and his family were on their way to buy doughnuts. He was rushed to hospital and under went emergency brain surgery. Picture: X@inaya_bisma

Confronting footage shows the plane plummeting before smashing onto the street, with cars along the road nearby left completely burnt.

When tragedy struck, the Howards were in their car on their way to get their “usual strawberry doughnuts” from Dunkin’ Donuts, according to local media.

Andrew told ABC6 the crash sounded like a missile was firing bullets.

“You see a car on fire, a man walking on fire. It was just crazy.”

The medical plane crashed into a busy Philadelphia neighbourhood on Friday killing all six people on board and one person on the ground. Picture: CNN (via WPVI)

‘Piece of metal sticking out of my son’s head’

As debris flew everywhere, Trey told his sister to “get down”.

“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,” Andre said.

He said he used socks and another man’s shirt to try and stop the bleeding before a police officer rushed the boy and his family to the hospital, where he received emergency surgery.

“They did an A+ job on my son. Praise God, they did a great job,” Andre said of his son’s surgery.

It also left 24 people injured including Trey. Picture: CBS News

After Trey woke up, he was paid a visit by one of his favourite NBA players, 76ers Tyrese Maxey at hospital to help lift his spirits.

“He says thank you to everybody. He cries, ‘Daddy, I’m a celebrity.’ ‘No, you’re bigger than a celebrity. You’re a superhero’,” Andre said.

The 10-year-old, who is recovering at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, “faces a long and difficult road to recovery”.

A GoFundMe has been setup to help the family with medical costs. So far $US39,000 – $A62,000 – has been raised

“His medical care, which includes surgeries, therapy, and ongoing treatment, will be extensive,” his mother Lashwn Hamiel wrote on the fundraising page.

“While Andre’s strength and resilience shine through, his recovery will require time, care, and resources.”

Ms Hamiel said funds will go towards medical expenses not covered by insurance including rehabilitation and physical therapy.

“Andre is a kind, loving child with a bright future. This tragedy has shaken our family and the community, but with your help, we can focus on what matters most: helping Andre heal and thrive,” Ms Hamiel added.

“Every donation, no matter how small, makes a difference. If you are unable to contribute financially, please consider sharing this page to spread the word. Thank you for your generosity and compassion.”

Doomed flight

Everybody on-board the flight was killed in the crash including Valentina Guzman Murillo, 11, who had just received lifesaving treatment after spending four months at a hospital in Philadelphia. She and her mother Lizeth Murillo Ozuna were returning home to Mexico.

Shai Gold, managing director of corporate strategy and communications for Air Ambulance, previously told ABC 6 news there was “absolutely no indication” of any issues with the plane prior to the crash.

The maintenance records of the airplane were “impeccable” and the company goes by the book, following manufacturer specifications, according to Mr Gold, Fox News reported.

He also added the entire crew – who were Mexican nationals, were also very experienced.

The US Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) said it was launching an investigation with the National Transportation Safety Board.