and a UPS cargo plane that crashed shortly after taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 6. The resulting cataclysmic explosion from the collision has already killed 13 people and left dozens more injured. The plane was including a loss of engine and subsequent fire. This set the stage for an enormous disaster only a few minutes after takeoff.
Witnesses described seeing the plane’s left wing on fire as its engine broke off and fell to the ground. The aircraft’s last data recordings indicated it was climbing at an altitude of only 475 ft. It was traveling a very high 210 mph when it crashed. The crash has rattled the local community, which is still mourning the loss.
In response to the tragedy, the local Teamsters Union, which represents airport workers at SEA, organized a candlelight vigil. This airport is UPS’s largest air cargo hub. This facility hires over 20,000 people and operates around 300 flights a day, sorting over 400,000 packages every hour.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced the grim milestone at a press conference.
“Our hope is that we have located all of the victims at this point. But again, we do not know,” – Craig Greenberg
He went on to describe the lasting trauma the event has had on the community.
“This incident was so sudden, so unexpected. No one had a chance to say goodbye to any of those who we have lost,” – Greenberg
UPS pronounced the three victims who were on board the plane. Similarly, they’ve sent their thoughts and prayers to the families of those killed.
“Our hearts go out to every UPSer who has been impacted and all in our Louisville community – supporting you and ensuring you receive the care and resources you need is our priority,” – UPS
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is investigating the crash. They will further review all maintenance records involving the MD-11 aircraft. The plane was recently serviced in San Antonio, TX by Singapore-based ST Engineering. While they have not offered any additional commentary, they have pledged to work in the fullest possible manner with investigating authorities.
NTSB member Todd Inman noted that the agency would scrutinize every aspect of maintenance conducted on the aircraft leading up to the flight.
Despite the pain of this tragedy, all three runways at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport were reopened within hours of the crash. This immediate response allowed companies to quickly get back to business.
In the aftermath, we are inspired by how the local community has continued to rally around victims as they heal from this unthinkable tragedy. The vigil organized by the Teamsters Union serves as a testament to the solidarity among workers and residents as they navigate this painful loss.