A plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia on January 31 turned into a story of heartbreak and heroism.
A 10-year-old boy named Andre Howard III, a student at Soans Christian Academy, saved his younger sister during the crash but was seriously injured in the process.
The medical transport jet crash killed seven people, including everyone onboard and one person on the ground, and injured more than 20 others.
Andre’s brave act has touched the hearts of many, and the community is coming together to help him and his family.
Andre was in the car with his father and siblings after being picked up from school when the accident happened.
The family had stopped to pick up donuts when the plane crashed near Roosevelt Mall.
The jet, which had taken off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport, was heading to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri but lost control and went down.
As debris from the crash flew everywhere, Andre told his 4-year-old sister to get down and shield her from the flying metal.
Sadly, a piece of debris struck Andre in the head, causing a severe injury.
Andre’s father, Andre Howard Jr., described the terrifying moment when debris hit their car.
The family could see flames and flying wreckage all around them.
Andre Jr. used socks and a stranger’s shirt to try to stop the bleeding while waiting for help.
The police quickly arrived and rushed Andre to Jefferson Torresdale Hospital.
Even though the hospital wasn’t equipped for children’s trauma cases, the doctors worked hard to save him, performing emergency brain surgery.
The family was warned that Andre’s chances of survival were slim.
But against all odds, Andre thankfully pulled through.
After the surgery, he was transferred to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, where he began his recovery.
When he woke up, Andre’s first thoughts were about his sister and the Super Bowl.
He asked his dad if he had saved his sister and whether he had missed the big game.
Andre’s doctors initially feared that he might never walk again, but he has made incredible progress since the surgery.
His courage and strength have inspired his family and the entire community.
Soans Christian Academy, where Andre has been a student since he was little, quickly launched a fundraiser to support the family.
They are collecting donations, including money and gift cards, to help with medical bills, therapy, and other costs.
Many people have already donated, and the school has shared updates about Andre’s recovery to encourage even more support.
The staff at Soans Christian Academy described Andre as a kind, loving boy who always looks out for others.
His heroic actions didn’t surprise those who know him, but they have made him a true hero in the eyes of many.
The school continues to gather support for Andre and his family, who are standing by them during this difficult time.
In addition to the school’s efforts, the Howard family started a GoFundMe campaign to cover Andre’s medical expenses and other needs.
The campaign has already raised more than $117,000, thanks to the generosity of people who were moved by Andre’s story.
His dad has expressed deep gratitude for all the help they’ve received from friends, neighbors, and even strangers.
Andre’s story has spread far beyond Philadelphia.
One of his favorite basketball players, Tyrese Maxey of the Philadelphia 76ers, visited him in the hospital, lifting his spirits.
Andre jokingly told his dad that he felt like a celebrity, and his dad replied that he was even bigger than that—he was a superhero.
On social media, Eagles fans have called on the team to honor Andre for his bravery, with some even suggesting he should be invited to the Super Bowl.
The crash itself caused widespread devastation.
The medical jet carried a mother, her daughter, and four crew members.
Tragically, everyone on the plane died, along with one person on the ground.
The crash injured over 20 people and caused chaos in the area near Roosevelt Mall.
While investigators are still looking into the cause of the crash, the focus now is on helping the victims and their families.
Andre’s recovery will take time, but his story has brought people together in an incredible way.
His bravery has inspired countless others, and his school, family, and community support has shown the power of kindness and unity.
