A fifteenth person has died from the UPS plane crash in November. The victim, Alain Rodriguez Colina, passed away on Christmas morning. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced the news on Thursday night.
Colina had been in the hospital for almost two months. He was badly hurt in the crash. His death raises the total number of fatalities to fifteen.
The crash happened on November 4th. A UPS cargo plane caught fire soon after taking off. It exploded near Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville, Kentucky.
The plane was carrying a large amount of fuel. It crashed into an industrial area. Huge flames and black smoke filled the sky. People posted videos of the fire on social media.
Hundreds of firefighters worked to control the blaze. Officials asked people not to touch any crash debris. They wanted to protect the evidence for the investigation.
The three crew members on the plane died. They were Captain Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond. They were identified soon after the crash.
It took eight days to recover all the victims’ remains. The local coroner finished this difficult task. Families were then notified.
Investigators are still looking for the cause. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the probe. They say the full investigation will take about a year.
In late November, the NTSB shared dramatic photos. The pictures show an engine breaking off the plane. The engine flew over the wing as flames shot out.
The plane was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11. It was 34 years old. It was not yet due for a detailed inspection of its engine mounts. Cracks were found on these parts.
The plane’s last major check was in October 2021. Experts say cracks from metal fatigue are normal in older planes. They say the key is inspecting and fixing them on time.
It is not clear when the cracks started. Investigators are checking if they were missed during the last inspection. The Federal Aviation Administration may review its inspection rules.
The community continues to mourn this tragedy. The death of Alain Rodriguez Colina adds to the profound loss.
