The total count of lives lost from the freight aircraft that ignited and went down has reached 13, per latest announcements.
Mayor's Statement
Traveling to the Union’s memorial service, I was informed of a thirteenth victim that died as a result of the UPS flight 2976 crash,” wrote the city mayor in a public communication. “My prayers are with the families, companions and co-workers of all who were killed in this week’s tragedy. We will overcome this collectively.”
Victims Identified
A statement from UPS listed the flight crew operating the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Dana Diamond.
“Our hearts go out to each UPSer who has been impacted and everyone in our local community – assisting you and ensuring you get the attention and assistance you need is our main concern,” the organization’s message read.
Probe Updates
National officials announced that the jet’s port side wing caught fire and an engine separated just after takeoff from the aviation hub, resulting in the aircraft to crash and erupt into a inferno.
The National Transportation Safety Board stated it is examining the plane’s maintenance history, which was in the state for repairs weeks before the incident.
Flight tracking data indicated the aircraft was on the runway in San Antonio, Texas from early September to mid-October.
“We are knowledgeable that this plane was present in San Antonio,” remarked an NTSB member on later, without providing a precise date range. “We will examine every piece of service that was completed, including the Texas visit, right up to the day of the journey.”
Recovery of Vital Items
The pilot’s recorder and flight data recorder were found, and the engine was located on the tarmac.
The recorders – called flight recorders – were constructed to endure collision damage and extreme heat from fires, and they looked to be undamaged when located among the wreckage. Investigators intend to examining data from the recorders.
The plane’s final flight details showed an elevation of that level and a velocity of 210 mph ahead of the crash.
Repair History
Based on Federal Aviation Administration records from last month, a fracture on a structural piece in the fuel container demanded maintenance.
The company ST Engineering, which indicated it offers structural repairs for UPS’s jet and manages a service location in Texas, refused to speak, but said it would work closely when investigators reached out it.
Activities Continue
Meanwhile, the hub operations resumed that evening with its Next Day Air or night sort procedure, official the company official stated. Each of the three runways at the aviation hub were also open again.
The UPS package handling facility in the city is the firm’s biggest. The hub engages over a large number of workers in the region, processes numerous trips daily and organizes more than four hundred thousand parcels each hour.
Community Reaction
A candlelight vigil was held on the late afternoon of 6 November by the area Teamsters Union, which represents workers at the airfield, the organization’s biggest shipping facility.
The union chapter, which represents staff, started the memorial with a quiet tribute at the evening hour, the rough hour of the crash previously.
“This tragedy was so abrupt, so surprising,” the official addressed the group of two hundred. “No one had a opportunity to say goodbye to each of those who we have mourned.”
