3 Pilots Identified Among 12 Killed In UPS Crash: ‘An Incredibly Sad Time for Our Entire UPS Family’

Three of the 12 victims who died in the UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, have been identified.

UPS confirmed in a social media statement on Thursday, Nov. 6, that Capt. Richard Wartenberg, First Officer Lee Truitt, and International Relief Officer Capt. Dana Diamond were among those killed in the Nov. 4 tragedy.

“Our hearts go out to every UPSer who has been impacted and all in our Louisville community — supporting you and ensuring you receive the care and resources you need is a priority,” the company said. “This continues to be an incredibly sad time for our entire UPS family. We extend our deepest sympathies to the family and friends of our colleagues, and to the loved ones of those in the Louisville community.”

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said Thursday that officials believe a child may also be among the deceased, according to NBC affiliate WLWT and ABC News. As of the latest update, rescue teams have located six of the 15 people initially reported missing, per NBC News.

The MD-11-F cargo jet was en route from Louisville to Honolulu, Hawaii, when it crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, according to National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member Todd Inman.

A preliminary report indicated that three people were on board when “a large plume of fire” erupted near the left wing during takeoff. The plane “lifted off and gained enough altitude to clear a fence at the end of the runway,” before striking multiple structures “off of the airport property,” Inman said.

Airport security footage reportedly showed the left engine detaching from the wing during takeoff, while nearby business surveillance captured the aircraft dragging on the ground with flames trailing behind before impact.

The resulting blaze stretched nearly half a mile, according to Inman. He added that investigators successfully recovered the aircraft’s black box from the wreckage.

Fifteen individuals were injured and transported to the University of Louisville Health for treatment, while 12 fatalities have been confirmed. Some individuals remain unaccounted for, and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg noted that “there could be more confirmed fatalities” as the investigation continues, ABC affiliate WHAS reported.

The National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into the cause of the crash remains ongoing.