Authorities have released the identities of several victims killed in last week’s devastating UPS MD-11 cargo plane crash near a busy truck stop in Louisville, Kentucky. The crash, which sent fire and debris across the area, claimed at least 14 lives and left 11 others injured, according to officials.
The aircraft, operating as UPS Flight 2976, went down shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on November 4. Witnesses described hearing a loud explosion before seeing the plane engulfed in flames as it struck multiple vehicles and nearby structures.
Among the victims were the three crew members aboard the aircraft — Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Captain Dana Diamond — all experienced pilots remembered by colleagues as dedicated professionals.
Tragically, several civilians on the ground also lost their lives, including 3-year-old Kimberly Asa and her grandfather, Louisnes Fedon, who were near a local scrapyard when the plane crashed. Officials confirmed that all missing persons have now been accounted for.
Initial findings suggest the left wing of the MD-11 caught fire moments after takeoff, leading to catastrophic engine failure. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are investigating maintenance records, flight data, and black box recordings to determine the cause.
In the wake of the tragedy, the FAA has issued a temporary grounding order for MD-11 aircraft pending safety inspections.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed his condolences during a press conference Monday, stating, “Our city is heartbroken. We grieve for every life lost and stand with the families affected by this unimaginable tragedy.”
Vigils have been held across Louisville and at the UPS Worldport facility, where many employees considered the lost crew part of their extended family.
As investigations continue, the Louisville community remains united in mourning and resilience, determined to honor those who lost their lives in the disaster.