Kentucky Officials Identify Victims of UPS Plane Crash
Kentucky authorities have confirmed the identities of the victims involved in the tragic UPS plane crash. The accident occurred on November 4, shortly after takeoff when the aircraft’s left engine caught fire and detached. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was en route to Honolulu with approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel on board.
Crash Details and Victim Identification
Officials reported that victim identification was completed within 24 hours using DNA, medical, and dental records. Jefferson County Coroner Jo-Ann Farmer noted a sense of relief among families, as all bodies have been accounted for. The identification process allows families to begin their grieving and healing journey.
Reactions from Officials
Greenberg, a spokesperson, expressed the hope that families could turn their grief into healing. He acknowledged the profound impacts of the tragedy on the community, stating, “Let’s never forget their lives, their laughter, their love.”
Crash Incident Overview
- Date: November 4
- Aircraft Model: McDonnell Douglas MD-11
- Flight Destination: Honolulu
- Fuel Capacity: 38,000 gallons
- Crash Site: Industrial area near Louisville Airport
Video footage shared on social media captured the moment before the aircraft crashed, showing flames engulfing the plane. The ensuing explosion created a debris field that extended over half a mile.
Impacts on Aviation Operations
In response to the crash, UPS and FedEx grounded their fleets of the MD-11 model. The Federal Aviation Administration called for inspections of all similar aircraft to ensure safety compliance.
Community Response and Support
This incident has taken a heavy toll on the Louisville community, where UPS is the largest employer, with over 25,000 staff. The Louisville airport serves as a critical hub for UPS, facilitating around 400 flights daily. The last recorded crash of a UPS plane occurred in 2013, near Birmingham, Alabama, resulting in the loss of two pilots.
Greenberg encouraged those affected to utilize a newly established hotline for support, emphasizing the importance of community healing. The tragedy emphasizes the need for continued remembrance of the victims, whose lives profoundly impacted those around them.
