The number of fatalities resulting from the transport jet that burst into flames and crashed has now risen to 13, as confirmed by recent reports.
City Leader's Statement
“On my way to the Union’s candlelight gathering, I received word of a thirteenth victim that died as a result of the aircraft crash,” stated the city mayor in a public communication. “My thoughts is with the loved ones, friends and colleagues of all who were taken in this week’s tragedy. We will overcome this collectively.”
Casualties Named
A release from UPS named the pilots on board the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Captain Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Dana Diamond.
“Our sympathies go out to all employee who has been affected and everyone in our Louisville area – supporting you and guaranteeing you receive the care and assistance you need is our focus,” the company’s statement read.
Inquiry Updates
Government investigators disclosed that the UPS cargo plane’s left wing ignited and an engine separated shortly after takeoff from the aviation hub, leading to the aircraft to plummet and erupt into a inferno.
The National Transportation Safety Board stated it is examining the aircraft’s maintenance history, which was in the state for fixes several weeks before the accident.
Aircraft information indicated the plane was on the ground in the Texas city from early September to 18 October.
“We are aware that this aircraft was present in the facility,” remarked an NTSB member on later, without a specific date range. “We will review each aspect of repairs that was completed, from the Texas visit, right up to the time of the journey.”
Recovery of Key Evidence
The pilot’s recorder and flight data recorder were found, and the engine was discovered on the airfield.
The recorders – referred to as black boxes – were built to withstand crash impacts and severe fire from fires, and they seemed to be intact when discovered amid the wreckage. Officials intend to reviewing data from the black boxes.
The plane’s concluding flight details showed an height of 475 feet and a speed of that speed before the accident.
Repair History
Per FAA documents dated last month, a fissure on a component within the tank area required fixes.
Singapore-based ST Engineering, which said it supplies structural repairs for the company’s MD-11 and runs a repair facility in San Antonio, declined to speak, but said it would work closely when relevant authorities contacted it.
Activities Continue
In the meantime, the facility services resumed last night with its overnight or evening process, official the company official said. All three tarmacs at the aviation hub were also open again.
The UPS package handling facility in Louisville is the company’s most significant. The facility engages more than 20,000 workers in the locality, manages 300 trips per day and processes more than 400,000 items per hour.
Public Support
A gathering was conducted on the evening of that date by the area Teamsters Union, which represents workers at the Louisville airport, the company’s biggest freight center.
Teamsters Local 89, which supports UPS workers, commenced the vigil with a moment of silence at 5.14pm, the estimated time of the accident before.
“This event was so sudden, so unexpected,” the mayor addressed the crowd of attendees. “No one had a chance to say goodbye to each of those who we have mourned.”
