The death toll from the UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky on November 4th has risen to 15. Alain Rodriguez Colina, who was injured while working at a nearby scrapyard, died on Christmas Day from his wounds, according to officials.
Crash and Aftermath
Rodriguez Colina was working at Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling when UPS Flight 2976 crashed as it took off from Louisville’s airport. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg both confirmed Rodriguez Colina’s death on Thursday. Mayor Greenberg wrote on X, “Alain is the 15th victim of the UPS Flight 2976 accident…May Alain’s memory be a blessing.”
Sean Garber, owner of Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling, stated that Rodriguez Colina was the fourth employee of his company to die as a result of the crash, and that customers of Grade A were also among the victims. Rodriguez Colina had worked at Grade A since 2023 and was remembered for his positive attitude.
Investigation and Grounding
In addition to Rodriguez Colina and the four Grade A employees, three pilots aboard UPS Flight 2976 perished when the plane’s left engine detached during departure from Muhammad Ali International Airport. The plane, fully loaded with fuel for a flight to Hawaii, impacted nearby businesses and caught fire. Investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board discovered cracks where the engine connected to the wing.
Four days after the crash, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered all MD-11 planes grounded. UPS faced a pair of wrongful death lawsuits in early December, alleging the company continued to operate older aircraft without increasing maintenance beyond scheduled levels. General Electric, the engine manufacturer, was also named in the lawsuits.
Both UPS and GE have stated they do not comment on pending litigation, but affirmed their commitment to safety and cooperation with the ongoing investigation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened on November 4th?
UPS Flight 2976 crashed shortly after taking off from Louisville’s airport, impacting nearby businesses and resulting in 15 fatalities.
What caused the crash?
Investigators found cracks where the plane’s engine connected to its wing, leading to the engine detaching during flight.
What has been the response to the crash?
The FAA grounded all MD-11 planes, and UPS and General Electric are facing wrongful death lawsuits.
As investigations continue and legal proceedings unfold, how might this event reshape safety protocols and maintenance practices within the cargo airline industry?
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