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The tally of fatalities from the freight aircraft which caught fire and crashed has now risen to 13, as confirmed by latest statements.

Mayor's Announcement

“On my way to the Union’s memorial service, I was informed of a additional fatality that passed away as a consequence of the UPS flight 2976 crash,” stated the municipal leader in a online message. “My prayers are with the families, companions and colleagues of all who were lost in this recently occurred calamity. We will get through this collectively.”

Casualties Confirmed

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

“Our sympathies go out to every employee who has been affected and all in our local area – supporting you and guaranteeing you get the support and assistance you need is our priority,” the firm’s communication stated.

Probe Details

National investigators disclosed that the jet’s port side wing burst into flames and an engine separated just after departure from the airfield, causing the jet to crash and erupt into a inferno.

The NTSB has said it is examining the jet’s service record, that was in the state for fixes several weeks ahead of the accident.

Aircraft data showed the jet was on the runway in San Antonio, Texas from the start of last month to 18 October.

“We are knowledgeable that this plane was located in that city,” said an NTSB member on Thursday, without providing a exact time frame. “We will look at all elements of service that was performed, including the Texas visit, all the way to the time of the flight.”

Recovery of Critical Items

The audio device and data recorder were recovered, and the motor was located on the runway.

The recorders – known as flight recorders – were designed to endure accident forces and intense fire from blazes, and they looked to be in one piece when found among the crash debris. Officials intend to analyzing data from the recorders.

The plane’s last data recordings showed an height of 475 feet and a speed of 210 miles per hour before the impact.

Service Background

Based on aviation authority files dated last month, a crack on a part within the tank area required repairs.

Singapore-based ST Engineering, which indicated it provides aircraft servicing for the carrier’s MD-11 and operates a maintenance center in Texas, chose not to comment, but stated it would cooperate fully when officials approached it.

Operations Resume

In the meantime, UPS Worldport activities resumed last night with its express or nighttime process, official Jim Mayer stated. Each of the three tarmacs at the airport were likewise open again.

The sorting center in this location is the organization’s most significant. The hub employs in excess of twenty thousand individuals in the area, processes three hundred trips each day and organizes more than 400,000 parcels an hour.

Public Response

A memorial was held on the night of recently by the area Teamsters Union, which supports workers at the aviation hub, the company’s biggest air cargo hub.

Worker representatives, which supports staff, commenced the vigil with a period of reflection at 5.14pm, the estimated moment of the crash two days earlier.

“This event was so sudden, so unexpected,” the leader addressed the assembly of attendees. “No one had a chance to part to each of those who we have mourned.”