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The tally of victims from the transport jet that burst into flames and plummeted has risen to 13, per official statements.

Mayor's Remarks

While en route to the Workers’ candlelight gathering, I received word of a thirteenth victim that passed away as a outcome of the UPS flight 2976 incident,” expressed the local official in a social media post. “My prayers is with the relatives, associates and co-workers of all who were taken in this recent calamity. We will get through this collectively.”

Victims Identified

A statement from UPS named the pilots on board the aircraft as Pilot Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.

“Our hearts go out to every UPSer who has been touched and everyone in our community area – assisting you and ensuring you receive the support and assistance you need is our main concern,” the company’s message expressed.

Probe Details

Government investigators disclosed that the freight aircraft’s left wing burst into flames and an motor detached soon after takeoff from the aviation hub, resulting in the plane to plummet and explode into a inferno.

The safety agency stated it is examining the jet’s service record, that was in Texas for repairs weeks prior to the crash.

Aircraft information showed the plane was on the runway in the Texas city from 3 September to 18 October.

“We are cognizant that this aircraft was present in San Antonio,” said an official on the following day, not giving a exact period. “We will review each aspect of maintenance that was completed, even the repair visit, straight to the date of the trip.”

Recovery of Critical Components

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

The devices – referred to as black boxes – were built to endure collision damage and intense fire from fires, and they seemed to be intact when found amid the remains. Authorities intend to analyzing data from the recorders.

Jet’s last data recordings indicated an altitude of 475 feet and a velocity of 210 miles per hour prior to the accident.

Maintenance Background

Per FAA documents from that date, a fissure on a component in the center wing fuel tank needed repairs.

Singapore-based ST Engineering, which said it offers aircraft servicing for the company’s MD-11 and runs a repair facility in San Antonio, declined to comment, but expressed it would work closely when officials approached it.

Operations Restart

Meanwhile, the hub activities resumed Wednesday night with its express or nighttime operation, official the company official stated. Each of the three tarmacs at the aviation hub were also back in operation.

The sorting center in this location is the company’s most significant. The facility engages more than a large number of people in the area, processes three hundred flights each day and organizes over a huge volume of parcels each hour.

Local Support

A memorial was conducted on the night of that date by the area worker’s group, which acts for workers at the aviation hub, the organization’s largest freight center.

The union chapter, which supports staff, commenced the memorial with a quiet tribute at 5.14pm, the approximate time of the crash previously.

“This incident was so abrupt, so unexpected,” the mayor told the group of attendees. “No one had a moment to bid farewell to any of those who we have mourned.”