UPS Plane Crash in Kentucky Claims Lives
On Thursday, officials identified the three pilots who tragically perished in a devastating explosion that caused a UPS plane to crash in Kentucky earlier this week. Among the victims on the ground is a missing mother of two.
The aircraft was operated by Colonel Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Captain Dana Diamond. UPS expressed its sorrow in a statement, saying, “Words cannot express the sadness we feel over the heartbreaking Flight 2976 incident. This remains an incredibly sad time for the entire UPS family, and as our CEO Carol Tomé reminded us, ‘United we are strong.’
One of the affected individuals is Angela “Angie” Anderson, a 45-year-old local mother who is considered missing after the UPS Flight 2976 crash that occurred just south of Muhammad Ali International Airport in Louisville.
Her boyfriend, Donald Henderson, shared that she was at a nearby auto parts and scrap metal recycling facility when the incident happened, while he stayed home due to exhaustion. “I let her go alone because I was too tired,” he said, reflecting on that decision with regret.
Angela had gone to the facility to dispose of some scrap metal they planned to clear out. “She took it and wanted to get rid of it, so I said, ‘Here you go. And then she left,'” he emotionally recounted.
As of now, there’s been no further news regarding Anderson since the crash occurred on Tuesday. Her friend, Angel O’Rafferty, expressed deep concern and hope by posting on Facebook, “Angela Anderson!!! I love you with all my heart. Please God, please bring her to safety along with the others who have not been found.”
The plane crashed just an minute after taking off, during which it had around 50,000 gallons of fuel onboard. Footage from the scene showed flames consuming the aircraft’s left engine as it sped down the runway, leading to the tragic outcome.
The black box from the plane was recovered on Thursday, and an investigation is underway by the National Transportation Safety Board to determine the cause of the fire. It has also been confirmed that among the twelve fatalities were children who had been at the auto parts store with their parents during the crash.
