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The tally of victims from the freight aircraft which ignited and plummeted has climbed to 13, as confirmed by latest reports.

City Leader's Statement

While en route to the Teamsters’ vigil, I was informed of a additional fatality that died as a consequence of the UPS flight 2976 crash,” wrote the city mayor in a public communication. “My thoughts are with the loved ones, friends and co-workers of all who were taken in this recent tragedy. We will get through this collectively.”

Deceased Confirmed

A statement from the carrier named the officers on board the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Captain Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.

“Our thoughts go out to each employee who has been touched and all in our Louisville area – helping you and making sure you get the care and assistance you need is our priority,” the company’s communication expressed.

Probe Findings

Federal authorities revealed that the jet’s port side wing caught fire and an engine detached just after departure from the aviation hub, resulting in the plane to crash and explode into a inferno.

The National Transportation Safety Board stated it is probing the plane’s upkeep logs, that was in Texas for repairs weeks before the crash.

Flight tracking information showed the aircraft was on the runway in the Texas city from the start of last month to mid-October.

“We are aware that this aircraft was present in that city,” stated an investigator on Thursday, without a precise date range. “We will review each aspect of maintenance that was completed, even the repair time, right up to the time of the trip.”

Recovery of Vital Components

The pilot’s recorder and flight data recorder were retrieved, and the engine was located on the airfield.

The units – referred to as flight recorders – were constructed to withstand crash impacts and severe temperatures from infernos, and they appeared to be intact when located among the wreckage. Investigators plan on reviewing data from the devices.

Jet’s last recorded information showed an height of 475 feet and a speed of 210 mph prior to the accident.

Repair Record

According to Federal Aviation Administration records from 18 September, a crack on a component within the fuel container required maintenance.

Headquartered in Singapore ST Engineering, which indicated it supplies airframe maintenance for the carrier’s MD-11 and operates a service location in San Antonio, declined to provide remarks, but stated it would cooperate fully when investigators reached out it.

Services Resume

In the meantime, the hub activities continued Wednesday night with its overnight or evening operation, spokesperson Jim Mayer confirmed. All three tarmacs at the aviation hub were additionally reopened.

The sorting center in the city is the company’s largest. The center employs more than a large number of people in the region, processes numerous flights each day and processes more than four hundred thousand items per hour.

Community Response

A candlelight vigil was organized on the late afternoon of recently by the local labor union, which represents employees at the aviation hub, the company’s primary freight center.

The union chapter, which stands for staff, commenced the memorial with a moment of silence at 5.14pm, the rough moment of the accident before.

“This incident was so sudden, so unexpected,” the leader told the group of 200. “No one had a chance to bid farewell to any of those who we have mourned.”