A 9-year-old boy was severely injured after the car he was riding in with his father became engulfed in flames during a recent plane crash in Northeast Philadelphia.
In an interview published Tuesday, Feb. 4, Virgen Viera told CBS News Philadelphia that her grandson Ramesses has sustained burns on 90% of his body.
On Friday, Jan. 31, a small Learjet 55 transporting medical patients crashed near their family’s car as the father and son were driving along Roosevelt Boulevard and Cottman.
Ramesses’ father has since died as a result, according to Viera.
Philadelphia plane crash, January 2025.
Matthew Hatcher/Getty
“We can officially disclose 6 perished in the plane,” Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle L. Parker wrote in a statement on Friday. “At least one more person perished in the incident.”
Viera is now praying that her 9-year-old grandson can pull through.
“He’s a happy kid, really happy,” she told the outlet while showing a smiling photo of the little boy. “I trust in God. Trust in God.”
The grandmother recalled checking her phone frequently to see what was happening after news broke of the deadly plane crash.
Viera continued, “A couple minutes later, I see the internet video of somebody coming out from the fire.”
Though she had a feeling it was him when she saw the clip, her fears that it was indeed Ramesses would later be confirmed.
Philadelphia plane crash, January 2025.
Thomas Hengge/Anadolu via Getty
“One hour later my daughter called and she is at the hospital with the kid. I say, ‘What happened?’ and she told me the baby is burning from the accident,” Viera explained in the interview.
His mother asked their community and loved ones for prayers in a social media post, according to CBS News Philadelphia, writing, “I ask for prayers, He is strong and my faith in God is big.”
Ramesses is currently being treated at a burn center in Boston, Mass, per the outlet.
The small plane was traveling to Springfield-Branson National Airport in Missouri before it crashed at approximately 6:10 p.m. local time.
In a previous statement to PEOPLE, Shriners Children’s Hospital said the child who was killed in the crash was a patient traveling with her mother, and they were returning to their home country of Mexico.
“Our hearts and prayers go out to the families of the medical crew and pilots who were also lost in this tragic event – as well as all of the people who were affected on the ground – and we’re thankful to the first responders for their quick action,” the statement said.
In a press release shared on Feb. 3, the City of Philadelphia and Mayor Cherelle Parker confirmed 24 people were injured in the crash. Four remain in the hospital, with two in critical condition.
