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The total count of victims resulting from the UPS cargo plane that ignited and went down has risen to 13, according to latest reports.

Mayor's Statement

“On my way to the Teamsters’ memorial service, I was informed of a additional fatality that died as a result of the aircraft crash,” expressed the municipal leader in a social media post. “My thoughts is with the loved ones, companions and co-workers of all who were taken in this week’s tragedy. We will endure this together.”

Casualties Identified

A statement from UPS listed the officers aboard the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Pilot Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.

“Our thoughts reach out to each staff member who has been affected and all in our Louisville region – helping you and ensuring you obtain the care and assistance you need is our priority,” the organization’s message expressed.

Investigation Findings

National investigators disclosed that the jet’s wing caught fire and an motor separated soon after departure from the Louisville Muhammad Ali international airport, causing the plane to crash and erupt into a blaze.

The safety agency stated it is investigating the plane’s upkeep logs, that was in Texas for maintenance weeks ahead of the crash.

Aviation data revealed the jet was on the tarmac in that location from the start of last month to 18 October.

“We are aware that this aircraft was there in the facility,” remarked an official on the following day, not giving a exact period. “We will look at all elements of maintenance that was done, even the Texas visit, right up to the date of the flight.”

Recovery of Key Evidence

The audio device and information unit were retrieved, and the motor was located on the airfield.

The recorders – known as data containers – were designed to withstand accident forces and severe heat from infernos, and they appeared to be intact when discovered amid the crash debris. Authorities intend to examining information from the black boxes.

Aircraft’s last data recordings displayed an altitude of 475 feet and a rate of 210 miles per hour before the crash.

Maintenance Record

According to Federal Aviation Administration records dated 18 September, a crack on a structural piece inside the center wing fuel tank demanded repairs.

Singapore-based ST Engineering, which said it supplies airframe maintenance for UPS’s jet and manages a service location in Texas, declined to comment, but said it would assist completely when officials contacted it.

Activities Continue

In the meantime, the facility activities continued Wednesday night with its Next Day Air or nighttime operation, representative a representative confirmed. Each of the three runways at the aviation hub were also reopened.

The UPS package handling facility in Louisville is the firm’s biggest. The center hires over a large number of workers in the region, processes 300 aircraft each day and sorts over a huge volume of parcels per hour.

Public Reaction

A gathering was held on the late afternoon of that date by the regional labor union, which supports employees at the Louisville airport, the company’s biggest air cargo hub.

The union chapter, which supports UPS workers, commenced the vigil with a moment of silence at 5.14pm, the rough time of the accident two days earlier.

“This tragedy was so abrupt, so surprising,” the leader addressed the group of attendees. “No one had a chance to part to any of those who we have mourned.”