Tragedy Strikes as UPS Cargo Plane Crashes in Flames
The community of Louisville, Kentucky is mourning after the death toll from the devastating UPS cargo plane crash rose to 13 people. Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed the tragic update while attending a vigil for the victims organised by the Teamsters Union.
"On my way to the Teamsters' vigil, I learned of a 13th person that died as a result of the UPS flight 2976 plane crash," Greenberg wrote in a social media post. "My heart is with the families, friends and colleagues of all who were lost in this week's tragedy. We will get through this together."
Victims Identified as Investigation Uncovers Critical Details
UPS has released the names of the three crew members who lost their lives aboard the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft. The victims were identified as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond.
In a heartfelt statement, the shipping giant expressed: "Our hearts go out to every UPSer who has been impacted and all in our Louisville community – supporting you and ensuring you receive the care and resources you need is our priority."
Federal investigators have revealed crucial information about the aircraft's final moments. The National Transportation Safety Board confirmed that the plane's left wing caught fire and an engine detached shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. This catastrophic failure caused the aircraft to crash and explode into a massive fireball.
Maintenance History Under Scrutiny
The investigation has taken a significant turn as authorities examine the plane's maintenance history. Flight tracking data indicates the aircraft was in San Antonio, Texas for repairs from September 3 to October 18 – just weeks before the fatal crash.
Todd Inman, an NTSB member, stated: "We are aware that this aircraft was there in San Antonio. We will look at every piece of maintenance that was done, even from the San Antonio time, all the way to the date of the flight."
According to Federal Aviation Administration records dated September 18, repairs were required for a crack on a structural piece inside the centre wing fuel tank. Singapore-based ST Engineering, which provides airframe maintenance for UPS's MD-11 aircraft and operates the San Antonio repair facility, has declined to comment but pledged full cooperation with authorities.
Recovery Operation and Community Response
Investigators have successfully recovered both the cockpit voice recorder and data recorder from the crash site. These crucial devices, designed to withstand extreme impact and heat, appeared intact when located among the debris.
The final data recordings revealed the aircraft reached an altitude of 475 feet and a speed of 210 mph before the catastrophic crash. Members of the Kentucky National Guard's 41st Civil Support Team have been conducting thorough surveys of the crash site.
Meanwhile, UPS Worldport operations resumed on Wednesday night with its Next Day Air service. All three runways at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport have reopened. The Louisville hub, UPS's largest package handling facility, employs more than 20,000 people in the region and typically handles 300 flights daily while sorting more than 400,000 packages per hour.
The community came together for a candlelight vigil on November 6, organised by Teamsters Local 89, which represents UPS workers. Approximately 200 people attended the emotional gathering, which began with a moment of silence at 5:14pm – the exact time of the crash two days earlier.
Mayor Greenberg addressed the crowd, acknowledging the sudden nature of the tragedy: "This incident was so sudden, so unexpected. No one had a chance to say goodbye to any of those who we have lost."
As the investigation continues, authorities remain cautiously optimistic that all victims have been located, though official confirmation is still pending.
