Hero of Northeast Philly jet crash throws first pitch at Phillies game
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The man credited with saving a young boy's life during the Northeast Philadelphia medical jet crash was honored Friday night at Citizens Bank Park.
Caseem Wongus, 26, of Kensington, received a standing ovation as he threw out the first pitch at the Phillies game.
"I'm feeling good, especially after seeing everybody out there," Wongus said.
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The cheers weren't for his pitch, but for his heroic actions on Jan. 31, 2025, when a medical jet crashed near Roosevelt Mall, killing eight people and injuring several others.
Wongus had been in the area for dinner when he saw 9-year-old Ramesses, whose body was badly burned.
"As he got closer, I noticed his small frame, and I'm still seeing everyone just standing around recording on their phones," Wongus recalled. "I had taken off my jacket, put it around him, and an officer pulled up."
Wongus stayed with Ramesses in the backseat of a patrol car as the officer rushed to the hospital. He said he asked the boy questions to distract him from the pain.
"I was trying not to panic, trying to keep calm because I knew if I did, it would make it even worse for him," Wongus said. "So, just did my best to keep calm and keep him calm."
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Ramesses remains hospitalized but is making progress, Wongus said.
Wongus, who now attends therapy and spends more time with loved ones, said the experience taught him to be grateful.
"You never know what's going to happen, and that night truly showed me," he said.
His mother joined him at the game, where 200 tickets were donated to first responders, families, and business owners affected by the crash.
