UPS plane crash death toll rises to 15 after scrapyard worker injured in the incident dies on Christmas.

A Cuban immigrant who had established a new life in Kentucky has succumbed to injuries sustained in a tragic UPS cargo plane crash that occurred last month. Alain Rodriguez Colina, who passed away on Christmas Day, adds to the growing death toll from the November incident, which now stands at 15.

Colina was at his place of employment, Grade A Auto Parts & Recycling, during the crash, which involved a UPS cargo plane loaded with fuel destined for Hawaii. The aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport, colliding with nearby businesses and igniting a massive fireball. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed Colina’s death on social media, reflecting on the loss to the community.

The crash, which took place on November 4, resulted from a left engine detaching from the plane during takeoff. Investigations by the National Transportation Safety Board revealed cracks in the engine’s mount, raising significant safety concerns. Louisville’s airport serves as the largest hub for UPS package deliveries, making this incident particularly impactful.

Colina’s professional journey began in 2023 at the scrapyard, where he quickly rose to become a metal buyer, reflecting his dedication and adaptability. His employer, Sean Garber, praised Colina’s commitment to the business and his positive integration into the community, citing his support for the University of Kentucky and connection to family living nearby. Colina also had a daughter residing in Cuba.

After the crash, workers at the scrapyard described their frantic efforts to assist victims. While Colina survived the initial impact, he sustained severe burns covering over 50% of his body. Medical personnel placed him in an induced coma, but despite some signs of improvement, his condition deteriorated in the days leading to his death, leaving his family, who visited frequently, heartbroken.

In the wake of this tragedy, legal action continues to unfold. A lawyer has filed two wrongful death lawsuits alleging negligence on the part of UPS regarding the maintenance of older aircraft, a claim both UPS and General Electric, the manufacturer of the plane’s engine, have declined to comment on owing to the ongoing investigation. These lawsuits do not currently include Colina.

Moreover, local businesses and victims of the crash, including Colina, are preparing to file a collective lawsuit in the near future. The ongoing investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration has resulted in the grounding of all MD-11 aircraft, the model involved in this disastrous event, an aircraft model that has been solely dedicated to cargo transport for over a decade.

The community mourns the loss of a man who had believed in the American dream, illustrating the profound impact of this tragedy on the lives of many. Media News Source emphasizes the ongoing grief and the call for accountability as the investigation and legal processes continue.