UPS cargo plane crash claims 15th victim on Christmas day, weeks after fiery takeoff failure in Louisville

A tragic turn of events has unfolded in the aftermath of the UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, as a man who sustained critical injuries in the incident has passed away more than seven weeks later. Alain Rodriguez Colina, the latest victim of the crash, succumbed to his injuries on Christmas Day, bringing the total death toll to 15.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed the news of Colina’s passing, expressing his condolences and remembering the victim as the 15th casualty of the UPS Flight 2976 accident. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear also shared his sympathies, urging support for the families affected by the tragedy.

The crash, which occurred on November 4, resulted in the deaths of three crew members and 11 individuals on the ground when the Honolulu-bound cargo plane went down shortly after takeoff from Louisville International Airport. According to a preliminary report from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the left engine of the aircraft detached and caught fire, causing the plane to crash into a nearby industrial area.

Data from the black box revealed that the plane had only reached a height of 30 feet before plummeting to the ground. Airport surveillance footage indicated the moment when the left engine and pylon separated from the wing, leading to the catastrophic chain of events that ensued.

Investigators found that cracks around boltholes in the left pylon’s mount had gradually worsened over time, eventually causing the engine to detach during the flight. The subsequent fire near the pylon attachment exacerbated the situation, ultimately resulting in the tragic crash that claimed multiple lives.

The aftermath of the UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with air travel and the importance of thorough safety protocols and maintenance procedures to prevent such devastating incidents from occurring in the future. Our thoughts are with the families and loved ones of the victims as they navigate this difficult time of mourning and healing.