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The tally of lives lost due to the UPS cargo plane which caught fire and crashed has reached 13, according to recent reports.

Official's Announcement

“On my way to the Workers’ memorial service, I was informed of a additional fatality that died as a result of the aircraft accident,” wrote the local official in a online message. “My thoughts are with the relatives, associates and co-workers of all who were lost in this recent tragedy. We will overcome this as one.”

Deceased Confirmed

A statement from the carrier named the officers on board the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 as Pilot Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.

“Our hearts go out to all UPSer who has been impacted and everyone in our local region – helping you and ensuring you receive the care and aid you need is our main concern,” the firm’s statement expressed.

Inquiry Updates

National officials disclosed that the jet’s wing burst into flames and an motor separated shortly after departure from the airfield, causing the jet to fall and erupt into a blaze.

The National Transportation Safety Board announced it is examining the jet’s maintenance history, which was in the state for fixes several weeks ahead of the crash.

Aviation data indicated the plane was on the tarmac in that location from early September to mid-October.

“We are aware that this plane was located in San Antonio,” stated an investigator on Thursday, not giving a specific time frame. “We will look at every piece of repairs that was performed, from the Texas visit, right up to the time of the journey.”

Recovery of Key Components

The pilot’s recorder and data recorder were retrieved, and the power plant was found on the tarmac.

The units – called data containers – were built to endure accident forces and intense temperatures from infernos, and they seemed to be intact when located among the wreckage. Investigators intend to examining information from the devices.

The plane’s final recorded information displayed an elevation of 475 ft and a rate of 210 miles per hour ahead of the impact.

Service Background

According to FAA files dated last month, a fracture on a part within the fuel container demanded maintenance.

Headquartered in Singapore ST Engineering, which said it offers airframe maintenance for the carrier’s aircraft and manages a repair facility in Texas, refused to speak, but stated it would assist completely when officials approached it.

Operations Continue

Meanwhile, UPS Worldport operations continued that evening with its express also known as night sort procedure, official the company official stated. Each of the three tarmacs at the aviation hub were additionally open again.

The sorting center in this location is the firm’s most significant. The facility engages over 20,000 people in the locality, manages numerous trips each day and processes in excess of 400,000 packages an hour.

Public Reaction

A memorial was conducted on the evening of 6 November by the local Teamsters Union, which acts for staff at the airfield, the company’s largest air cargo hub.

Teamsters Local 89, which represents employees, commenced the gathering with a period of reflection at 5.14pm, the rough moment of the incident two days earlier.

“This tragedy was so abrupt, so surprising,” the mayor addressed the group of two hundred. “No one had a chance to say goodbye to each of those who we have lost.”