The number of fatalities resulting from the UPS cargo plane which caught fire and plummeted has now risen to 13, per official announcements.
Mayor's Statement
Traveling to the Workers’ candlelight gathering, I learned of a thirteenth victim that passed away as a result of the aircraft incident,” wrote the municipal leader in a social media post. “My prayers are with the loved ones, associates and co-workers of all who were killed in this week’s disaster. We will endure this collectively.”
Victims Confirmed
A release from the carrier identified the flight crew aboard the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Captain Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Dana Diamond.
“Our thoughts reach out to every employee who has been affected and everyone in our local region – helping you and guaranteeing you obtain the care and aid you need is our focus,” the firm’s message stated.
Probe Updates
Government investigators announced that the freight aircraft’s wing ignited and an motor detached just after departure from the airfield, leading to the jet to fall and burst into a inferno.
The safety agency announced it is examining the jet’s service record, which was in Texas for repairs weeks ahead of the accident.
Aircraft information revealed the plane was on the tarmac in that location from early September to last week.
“We are cognizant that this aircraft was located in San Antonio,” remarked an investigator on Thursday, without a specific time frame. “We will review each aspect of service that was completed, from the Texas visit, all the way to the day of the flight.”
Recovery of Key Evidence
The cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder were recovered, and the motor was found on the runway.
The units – called data containers – were built to endure crash impacts and severe fire from blazes, and they appeared to be intact when discovered amid the wreckage. Investigators plan on analyzing data from the devices.
Jet’s last flight details indicated an height of that level and a velocity of that speed before the impact.
Maintenance Record
Per FAA files dated last month, a crack on a structural piece in the center wing fuel tank required maintenance.
The company ST Engineering, which stated it supplies aircraft servicing for the carrier’s aircraft and runs a maintenance center in San Antonio, declined to speak, but said it would assist completely when relevant authorities reached out it.
Services Continue
Meanwhile, UPS Worldport activities restarted Wednesday night with its overnight or night sort operation, spokesperson Jim Mayer said. All three landing strips at the aviation hub were likewise reopened.
The UPS package handling facility in the city is the company’s most significant. The hub hires in excess of 20,000 workers in the area, processes three hundred aircraft daily and sorts in excess of four hundred thousand parcels per hour.
Local Reaction
A gathering was conducted on the night of that date by the area Teamsters Union, which represents workers at the aviation hub, the organization’s largest shipping facility.
Teamsters Local 89, which stands for UPS workers, commenced the gathering with a moment of silence at the evening hour, the approximate time of the crash previously.
“This tragedy was so sudden, so surprising,” the leader addressed the crowd of two hundred. “No one had a opportunity to bid farewell to any of those who we have lost.”
