The number of fatalities from a catastrophic cargo plane crash earlier this week has reached thirteen, according to city officials. The incident involved a large freighter that caught fire shortly after departure.
Authorities confirmed the identities of the three crew members who were aboard the aircraft. The company operating the flight has expressed its condolences to the families and the local community, stating that supporting those affected is its primary focus.
Federal investigators have determined that the aircraft’s left wing ignited and an engine separated moments after takeoff, leading to the crash and a subsequent explosion. The investigation is now examining the maintenance history of the aircraft, which was reportedly at a repair facility in another state for several weeks prior to the accident.
Critical flight data and cockpit voice recorders have been recovered from the wreckage. Preliminary data indicates the aircraft was at a low altitude and high speed in the moments before impact. Investigators plan to analyze this information as part of the ongoing probe.
Operations at the major shipping hub, which employs tens of thousands and processes a massive volume of packages daily, have resumed. All runways at the international airport are also back in service.
A vigil was held for the victims, attended by hundreds, including local officials and union representatives. The mayor addressed the gathering, calling the event sudden and tragic. A moment of silence was observed at the approximate time of the crash.