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The number of lives lost resulting from the transport jet which caught fire and went down has climbed to 13, as confirmed by latest announcements.

Mayor's Announcement

“On my way to the Union’s memorial service, I learned of a additional fatality that died as a result of the plane crash,” expressed the local official in a social media post. “My thoughts are with the relatives, associates and colleagues of all who were taken in this recently occurred calamity. We will get through this as one.”

Casualties Identified

A statement from the company listed the pilots operating the aircraft as Captain Richard Wartenberg, Co-pilot Lee Truitt, and Relief Captain Dana Diamond.

“Our sympathies reach out to each employee who has been affected and everyone in our local community – supporting you and guaranteeing you receive the care and aid you need is our main concern,” the organization’s message read.

Inquiry Details

Federal authorities revealed that the freight aircraft’s port side wing caught fire and an power plant separated shortly after takeoff from the aviation hub, resulting in the jet to plummet and erupt into a fireball.

The safety agency has said it is investigating the jet’s maintenance history, which was in the state for repairs several weeks before the incident.

Aviation records showed the jet was on the ground in the Texas city from 3 September to 18 October.

“We are cognizant that this aircraft was there in San Antonio,” stated an investigator on later, without a specific period. “We will look at all elements of repairs that was done, even the Texas period, right up to the date of the trip.”

Recovery of Key Components

The pilot’s recorder and data recorder were retrieved, and the motor was found on the tarmac.

The units – called data containers – were constructed to withstand crash impacts and severe heat from fires, and they seemed to be intact when discovered amid the crash debris. Authorities plan on analyzing recordings from the black boxes.

Aircraft’s last recorded information showed an height of that level and a velocity of 210 miles per hour before the impact.

Maintenance Record

According to aviation authority records dated that date, a crack on a part within the tank area needed maintenance.

Singapore-based ST Engineering, which indicated it provides aircraft servicing for the company’s aircraft and runs a maintenance center in that city, declined to speak, but stated it would cooperate fully when investigators approached it.

Operations Restart

Meanwhile, the facility services restarted Wednesday night with its Next Day Air or evening procedure, representative Jim Mayer said. The three landing strips at the aviation hub were also open again.

The UPS package handling facility in this location is the company’s biggest. The center employs more than a large number of individuals in the region, processes numerous flights each day and processes in excess of 400,000 items each hour.

Public Support

A candlelight vigil was organized on the night of that date by the local labor union, which represents workers at the aviation hub, the company’s primary air cargo hub.

Worker representatives, which stands for employees, began the gathering with a quiet tribute at 5.14pm, the approximate hour of the incident previously.

“This event was so abrupt, so surprising,” the mayor spoke to the group of attendees. “No one had a opportunity to part to any of those who we have said farewell to.”