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The tally of lives lost resulting from the freight aircraft that burst into flames and went down has reached 13, according to official reports.

City Leader's Announcement

“On my way to the Teamsters’ candlelight gathering, I learned of a 13th person that died as a result of the aircraft incident,” wrote the municipal leader in a social media post. “My heart is with the loved ones, friends and colleagues of all who were lost in this recently occurred tragedy. We will overcome this as one.”

Deceased Identified

A release from UPS listed the officers on board the jet as Captain Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.

“Our sympathies are extended to each UPSer who has been affected and all in our Louisville region – supporting you and ensuring you get the attention and aid you need is our focus,” the organization’s statement read.

Probe Details

Federal authorities revealed that the UPS cargo plane’s left wing ignited and an power plant separated soon after liftoff from the aviation hub, leading to the aircraft to crash and burst into a blaze.

The safety agency announced it is examining the plane’s upkeep logs, which was in the state for maintenance several weeks prior to the incident.

Flight tracking information revealed the jet was on the tarmac in the Texas city from early September to mid-October.

“We are knowledgeable that this aircraft was there in the facility,” stated an investigator on the following day, without providing a specific time frame. “We will review all elements of maintenance that was done, including the repair visit, right up to the date of the journey.”

Recovery of Critical Components

The pilot’s recorder and data recorder were recovered, and the power plant was discovered on the airfield.

The devices – called flight recorders – were constructed to withstand collision damage and severe temperatures from infernos, and they seemed to be intact when located among the remains. Officials will reviewing recordings from the recorders.

Jet’s last data recordings displayed an altitude of that level and a speed of that speed prior to the impact.

Maintenance Record

According to Federal Aviation Administration files dated last month, a crack on a structural piece within the center wing fuel tank required repairs.

The company ST Engineering, which stated it supplies aircraft servicing for UPS’s MD-11 and manages a maintenance center in San Antonio, declined to speak, but said it would assist completely when relevant authorities reached out it.

Operations Continue

In the meantime, the hub activities resumed that evening with its overnight or night sort process, representative the company official stated. All three runways at Louisville Muhammad Ali international airport were likewise open again.

The sorting center in the city is the firm’s largest. The center engages over 20,000 workers in the area, manages three hundred trips per day and organizes over 400,000 items each hour.

Public Response

A memorial was conducted on the late afternoon of 6 November by the area labor union, which supports workers at the Louisville airport, the company’s biggest shipping facility.

Worker representatives, which stands for employees, started the vigil with a period of reflection at that time, the estimated moment of the accident before.

“This tragedy was so abrupt, so surprising,” the leader spoke to the assembly of attendees. “No one had a moment to bid farewell to each of those who we have lost.”