LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A candlelight vigil was held Thursday for victims of a fatal UPS plane crash that occurred two days earlier, claiming at least 13 lives.
Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed that recovery efforts continue at the UPS Worldport, where the plane went down. “Our hope is that we have located all of the victims at this point,” he stated.
The cargo plane faced a catastrophic failure shortly after takeoff, with a fire developing in the left wing and an engine detaching. The incident resulted in significant destruction, impacting nearby businesses.
The victims included Capt. Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Capt. Dana Diamond. Greenberg described the crash site as “horrific,” with debris scattered and signs of extensive fire.
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board have begun analyzing the black box data, indicating the aircraft reached an altitude of 475 feet and a speed of 210 mph before the crash. The examination of maintenance logs from the plane will follow as part of the investigation.
UPS Worldport operations resumed Wednesday night, and all runways at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport reopened.
Witnesses reported hearing explosions and seeing flames during the incident. “It was like hell,” said Sabit Aliyev, owner of Kentucky Truck Parts and Service, who was present during the crash.
No further survivors are expected to be found as search efforts continue.