The number of fatalities resulting from the UPS cargo plane which ignited and went down has now risen to 13, as confirmed by official reports.
City Leader's Statement
“On my way to the Workers’ memorial service, I was informed of a thirteenth victim that died as a consequence of the UPS flight 2976 incident,” wrote the municipal leader in a public communication. “My prayers are with the families, companions and colleagues of all who were killed in this week’s tragedy. We will overcome this together.”
Victims Identified
A release from the carrier named the officers operating the aircraft as Captain Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Dana Diamond.
“Our hearts go out to every employee who has been touched and everyone in our Louisville region – assisting you and ensuring you get the care and aid you need is our focus,” the firm’s statement expressed.
Investigation Details
Government authorities revealed that the jet’s wing ignited and an motor detached shortly after takeoff from the airfield, resulting in the plane to crash and explode into a inferno.
The National Transportation Safety Board announced it is investigating the plane’s upkeep logs, that was in Texas for fixes weeks before the crash.
Flight tracking information showed the jet was on the runway in San Antonio, Texas from early September to mid-October.
“We are knowledgeable that this jet was there in that city,” said an investigator on the following day, without providing a specific time frame. “We will review all elements of repairs that was completed, even the repair period, right up to the date of the trip.”
Recovery of Key Components
The audio device and data recorder were found, and the motor was located on the airfield.
The units – referred to as flight recorders – were built to withstand collision damage and extreme heat from fires, and they seemed to be undamaged when discovered within the wreckage. Investigators plan on analyzing data from the devices.
The plane’s final recorded information indicated an height of that level and a speed of 210 miles per hour before the crash.
Service Record
Based on Federal Aviation Administration files from last month, a fissure on a part in the tank area demanded fixes.
The company ST Engineering, which said it offers structural repairs for the carrier’s MD-11 and runs a service location in that city, refused to comment, but stated it would cooperate fully when officials contacted it.
Activities Continue
In the meantime, UPS Worldport services continued that evening with its overnight also known as evening procedure, representative the company official said. All three tarmacs at the airport were also reopened.
The sorting center in the city is the firm’s most significant. The facility hires over 20,000 individuals in the area, processes 300 trips per day and sorts over 400,000 packages each hour.
Local Support
A memorial was held on the night of recently by the regional worker’s group, which supports staff at the airfield, the firm’s largest shipping facility.
The union chapter, which stands for UPS workers, started the memorial with a moment of silence at that time, the rough hour of the incident before.
“This incident was so abrupt, so surprising,” the leader spoke to the group of attendees. “No one had a chance to part to each of those who we have said farewell to.”
