A tragic incident at a Kentucky scrapyard has seen its death toll climb to 15 following the recent UPS cargo plane crash. Alain Rodriguez Colina, a Cuban immigrant who had recently built a new life for himself, died on Christmas Day from severe burns sustained in the catastrophic event that occurred last month. Officials confirmed his passing, marking a somber end to the year for many affected by the disaster. The plane, fully loaded with fuel for a flight to Hawaii, impacted businesses after its departure from Louisville’s airport, erupting in a massive fireball. Governor Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg shared the heartbreaking news via social media, with Mayor Greenberg stating, “May Alain’s memory be a blessing.”
The crash, which tragically claimed the lives of three pilots and multiple individuals on the ground, was attributed to the plane’s left engine detaching during takeoff. Subsequent investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed cracks where the engine connected to the wing, highlighting potential mechanical failures. Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport, a major UPS package delivery hub, has become the center of this ongoing investigation.
Colina had been employed at Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling since 2023, demonstrating a strong work ethic and quickly advancing to the position of metal buyer. His owner and CEO, Sean Garber, spoke of Colina’s embrace of the company culture and his new life in Louisville, even becoming a fan of the University of Kentucky. His family, including his mother and siblings, resided in the area, and he also had a daughter in Cuba.
Workers at the scrapyard recounted the immediate aftermath of the crash, describing a frantic effort to assist survivors. Colina was with a customer and a coworker, both of whom tragically perished. While Colina managed to escape the initial impact, he suffered burns over 50% of his body, leaving doctors with little hope for his recovery. He remained in an induced coma, never regaining consciousness, though his family visited him frequently.
Featured snippet paragraph: The UPS plane crash death toll has tragically risen to 15 following the death of Alain Rodriguez Colina, a scrapyard worker who sustained severe burns in the incident. The plane, which experienced engine failure during takeoff, crashed into businesses near Louisville’s airport.
Garber expressed that Colina seemed to be showing signs of healing, but his condition took a turn for the worse on Thursday. He remembered Colina as a good man with a big heart, deeply committed to the business, its customers, and his family. “He believed in the opportunity he got in the United States and really made the most of it,” Garber stated, lamenting, “He should still be with us.”
Earlier this month, legal actions began to surface, with a lawyer filing two wrongful death lawsuits. These suits allege that the company continued to operate older aircraft without enhancing maintenance beyond routine schedules. General Electric, the manufacturer of the plane’s engine, is also named in the litigation. Both UPS and GE have declined to comment on the pending lawsuits, emphasizing their commitment to safety and cooperation with the federal investigation.
While Colina’s case is not included in these initial lawsuits, his attorney, Masten Childers III, indicated that local businesses and over 90 individuals affected by the crash, including Colina, are preparing to file another lawsuit in the coming weeks. “Alain fought hard,” Childers remarked, adding, “Alain’s passing must be honored by holding those responsible for his death accountable.”
The Federal Aviation Administration has grounded all MD-11 aircraft, the model involved in this devastating crash. These planes have exclusively been used for cargo transport for over a decade, raising questions about their continued operational safety and maintenance protocols in the wake of such a severe incident.
What is the current death toll from the UPS plane crash?
The current death toll from the UPS plane crash has risen to 15 following the death of Alain Rodriguez Colina, who succumbed to severe burns sustained in the incident. This brings the total number of fatalities to fifteen, including pilots and individuals on the ground.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the inherent risks associated with air travel, particularly for cargo planes and the workers who operate near airports. The investigation into the cause of the crash is ongoing, with a focus on engine failure and maintenance records.
The community of Louisville mourns the loss of Alain Rodriguez Colina and the other victims, reflecting on the human cost of such accidents. The legal proceedings that are expected to follow will aim to provide answers and accountability for the lives lost and the devastation caused.
The impact of this crash extends beyond the immediate fatalities, affecting local businesses and the broader community. The ongoing investigations and legal battles will likely shape future safety regulations and operational procedures for cargo airlines.
