The number of victims from the UPS cargo plane that burst into flames and went down has climbed to 13, per official statements.
City Leader's Remarks
“On my way to the Teamsters’ candlelight gathering, I learned of a thirteenth victim that passed away as a result of the plane crash,” wrote the municipal leader in a social media post. “My heart is with the families, associates and co-workers of all who were lost in this recently occurred tragedy. We will endure this collectively.”
Deceased Named
A release from UPS listed the flight crew aboard the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Pilot Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Dana Diamond.
“Our sympathies reach out to each employee who has been impacted and all in our community community – assisting you and ensuring you get the attention and assistance you need is our main concern,” the firm’s statement read.
Investigation Updates
Government authorities revealed that the jet’s port side wing caught fire and an power plant separated soon after departure from the aviation hub, causing the jet to plummet and burst into a inferno.
The National Transportation Safety Board announced it is probing the jet’s maintenance history, which was in the state for maintenance a period prior to the accident.
Aircraft information revealed the plane was on the tarmac in the Texas city from early September to mid-October.
“We are cognizant that this aircraft was located in the facility,” stated an investigator on later, without a exact date range. “We will review every piece of maintenance that was performed, including the Texas time, straight to the time of the flight.”
Retrieval of Key Evidence
The audio device and information unit were found, and the engine was located on the runway.
The recorders – referred to as data containers – were built to endure accident forces and extreme heat from infernos, and they looked to be undamaged when located among the crash debris. Authorities plan on examining recordings from the black boxes.
Jet’s last data recordings showed an altitude of 475 ft and a speed of 210 mph ahead of the crash.
Service Background
Based on FAA records from that date, a fracture on a structural piece inside the fuel container needed maintenance.
Headquartered in Singapore ST Engineering, which said it provides structural repairs for the carrier’s MD-11 and runs a service location in Texas, declined to provide remarks, but expressed it would work closely when investigators approached it.
Activities Continue
At the same time, UPS Worldport services continued last night with its Next Day Air or night sort operation, spokesperson Jim Mayer confirmed. All three runways at the aviation hub were also reopened.
The distribution hub in the city is the organization’s biggest. The hub engages more than twenty thousand workers in the area, manages three hundred trips daily and organizes more than four hundred thousand parcels each hour.
Local Response
A memorial was organized on the late afternoon of 6 November by the regional labor union, which acts for staff at the aviation hub, the company’s largest freight center.
The union chapter, which represents UPS workers, commenced the gathering with a quiet tribute at 5.14pm, the estimated time of the crash before.
“This event was so unexpected, so unforeseen,” the mayor told the assembly of 200. “No one had a moment to say goodbye to each of those who we have lost.”
