The total count of fatalities from the transport jet which ignited and plummeted has now reached 13, as confirmed by latest statements.
Official's Statement
Traveling to the Teamsters’ vigil, I was informed of a thirteenth victim that lost their life as a consequence of the UPS flight 2976 crash,” expressed the city mayor in a public communication. “My prayers is with the families, associates and colleagues of all who were taken in this week’s tragedy. We will endure this as one.”
Casualties Named
A statement from UPS listed the flight crew on board the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Pilot Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.
“Our sympathies go out to each UPSer who has been impacted and all in our local community – helping you and ensuring you obtain the attention and assistance you need is our priority,” the company’s communication expressed.
Investigation Updates
National officials revealed that the freight aircraft’s left wing burst into flames and an motor detached soon after takeoff from the airfield, leading to the plane to fall and burst into a inferno.
The safety agency has said it is investigating the jet’s upkeep logs, which was in Texas for fixes a period ahead of the incident.
Flight tracking data showed the jet was on the tarmac in San Antonio, Texas from 3 September to last week.
“We are aware that this jet was present in that city,” remarked an investigator on later, not giving a specific date range. “We will look at all elements of repairs that was completed, from the repair visit, all the way to the day of the trip.”
Recovery of Key Evidence
The audio device and information unit were retrieved, and the power plant was found on the airfield.
The units – called flight recorders – were designed to survive crash impacts and severe temperatures from blazes, and they looked to be intact when found among the crash debris. Officials will examining recordings from the black boxes.
Aircraft’s concluding flight details showed an elevation of 475 ft and a velocity of that speed prior to the impact.
Repair History
Per FAA documents from 18 September, a fracture on a component within the center wing fuel tank required fixes.
The company ST Engineering, which indicated it provides aircraft servicing for UPS’s jet and manages a maintenance center in San Antonio, chose not to speak, but expressed it would work closely when investigators reached out it.
Operations Continue
Meanwhile, the facility services continued that evening with its overnight or evening process, representative Jim Mayer said. Each of the three landing strips at Louisville Muhammad Ali international airport were also reopened.
The distribution hub in this location is the company’s largest. The facility employs in excess of 20,000 workers in the locality, manages three hundred aircraft daily and organizes over four hundred thousand parcels an hour.
Public Reaction
A gathering was conducted on the late afternoon of that date by the area worker’s group, which acts for workers at the airfield, the company’s largest freight center.
Worker representatives, which represents UPS workers, began the vigil with a quiet tribute at 5.14pm, the estimated time of the incident previously.
“This incident was so sudden, so unforeseen,” the leader spoke to the assembly of two hundred. “No one had a opportunity to bid farewell to each of those who we have said farewell to.”
