US firms ground MD-11 cargo planes after Kentucky air disaster
American delivery companies UPS and FedEx have temporarily grounded some of their cargo plane fleets following a take-off crash in Kentucky on Tuesday, resulting in the deaths of at least 14 people.
The UPS plane burst into flames as it left the runway and collided with neighboring business facilities; It triggered a massive fire that destroyed many buildings and closed the Louisville International Airport.
UPS said its decision to discontinue MD-11 models was in line with instructions from manufacturer Boeing, while rival delivery giant FedEx confirmed it would follow suit.
Authorities have not yet determined what caused the fatal crash.
Hours before the flotilla ran aground, authorities confirmed that the death toll had risen to 14 after another body was found, while more victims were being sought in buildings exposed to fire.
“We pray for the families of each of the victims, and we pray that no more victims are lost,” said Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg. he said.
UPS said in a statement that the decision to ground 9 percent of its fleet was made “out of an abundance of caution.”
It’s unclear to what extent delivery services will be affected by UPS and Fedex’s moves.
UPS said contingency plans are in place to continue service. “Nothing is more important to us than the safety of our employees and the communities we serve,” the statement continued.
The model of aircraft involved in the accident was the MD-11F three-engine aircraft, which first entered service as a passenger jet with Thai Airways 34 years ago but was transferred to UPS in 2006.
MD-11s were originally manufactured by McDonnell Douglas before the company merged with Boeing in 1997.
During takeoff, the left engine caught fire and separated from the wing, according to the National Transportation and Safety Board.
The plane was carrying 38,000 gallons (144,000 liters) of fuel as it attempted to land for a long flight to Hawaii, which contributed to the size of the fire that broke out after the crash.
