The total count of victims resulting from the UPS cargo plane which ignited and crashed has risen to 13, per latest statements.
Mayor's Statement
Traveling to the Workers’ memorial service, I learned of a additional fatality that died as a result of the aircraft incident,” expressed the local official in a social media post. “My thoughts are with the relatives, associates and peers of all who were killed in this recently occurred calamity. We will get through this as one.”
Casualties Named
An announcement from UPS listed the pilots operating the aircraft as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Dana Diamond.
“Our sympathies go out to each UPSer who has been affected and all in our Louisville community – helping you and making sure you obtain the support and resources you need is our priority,” the organization’s statement read.
Investigation Updates
Government authorities revealed that the jet’s port side wing ignited and an power plant separated just after departure from the airfield, causing the aircraft to fall and erupt into a blaze.
The safety agency announced it is investigating the jet’s maintenance history, that was in Texas for repairs weeks ahead of the incident.
Aircraft information showed the plane was on the tarmac in the Texas city from early September to mid-October.
“We are knowledgeable that this jet was located in San Antonio,” stated an official on later, without a precise time frame. “We will review every piece of maintenance that was done, even the Texas period, straight to the date of the trip.”
Recovery of Key Components
The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder were recovered, and the motor was discovered on the tarmac.
The recorders – known as data containers – were constructed to endure collision damage and extreme temperatures from blazes, and they looked to be in one piece when discovered amid the crash debris. Authorities intend to analyzing information from the recorders.
Aircraft’s concluding data recordings showed an altitude of 475 feet and a speed of 210 mph before the impact.
Repair History
Per aviation authority records dated 18 September, a fissure on a component inside the fuel container demanded repairs.
Headquartered in Singapore ST Engineering, which said it supplies structural repairs for the company’s jet and operates a service location in San Antonio, declined to provide remarks, but expressed it would work closely when officials approached it.
Operations Restart
In the meantime, UPS Worldport services resumed last night with its overnight also known as nighttime operation, representative Jim Mayer confirmed. Each of the three runways at the airport were additionally reopened.
The distribution hub in this location is the firm’s largest. The facility engages in excess of a large number of people in the area, manages 300 aircraft daily and organizes more than 400,000 items each hour.
Local Response
A gathering was conducted on the evening of 6 November by the area Teamsters Union, which represents staff at the airfield, the firm’s largest shipping facility.
The union chapter, which represents staff, commenced the vigil with a quiet tribute at the evening hour, the estimated moment of the accident previously.
“This event was so abrupt, so surprising,” the leader told the group of two hundred. “No one had a chance to part to each of those who we have said farewell to.”
