Two weeks later; an update on the UPS plane crash

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It was two weeks ago today that 14 people were killed, and several others were hurt when UPS Flight 2976 crashed moments after takeoff from the Louisville International Airport.

The NTSB has completed the organization's on-site investigation and released the scene back to Metro Louisville. The organization is still working on the preliminary report, which is typically released about 30 days after a disaster. A more thorough report revealing cause, failures, and recommendations could take up to a full year to complete.

UPS has stated a commitment to covering the financial burden of the crash both for the city of Louisville and the people impacted. When asked what that process will look like, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg could not provide details but said they are gathering expenses to hand over to UPS.

UPS Airlines President Bill Moore was in Louisville for the two-week update. This is our first time hearing from him.

"Words cannot describe how painful the last two weeks have been," Moore said, "I can only imagine how painful it's been for the families."

Moore said they have provided financial support every step of the way- including travel expenses, funeral expenses. He said UPS remains committed to supporting the victim's families and understanding exactly what occurred.

"It's been tough, to be candid. It's been very difficult," Moore said when describing the last two weeks.

14 people dead after Louisville plane crash; what we know about the victims

UPS has identified the three-person crew that was killed in the crash. The Jefferson County Coroner is still working to identify the 10 victims killed on the ground. “I’m Shay McAlister, and this is Shay Informed: an independent, ad-free platform dedicated to honest journalism with compassion and clarity. Are you

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Moore said UPS made the decision to ground the MD-11 aircraft immediately following the crash. Since then, the FAA has mandated the grounding of all MD-11 planes, and MD-11F planes.

Latest on the crash site

Mayor Craig Greenberg said there are still many agencies and first responders working on and near the scene of the crash to restore public access and make sure it is safe.

LG&E is one of the agencies that has been working 'non-stop' at the site for the last two weeks. Lizz Pratt, with LG&E and KU, said over the last two weeks they have been replacing utility poles, damaged equipment, and downed wires. They have been assessing equipment to find out what needs to happen to get gas and electricity restored to the 90+ customers who do not have access to gas right now.

Much of the focus for LG&E has been on Grade Lane and nearby streets.

"We are making every effort to restore service safely and as quickly as possible", Pratt said.

MSD has also been on scene since day one. MSD Executive Director Tony Parrott said about 95 percent of the oil and fuel runoff from the site has been captured. Parrott called it a complex operation that could be complicated by incoming weather this week, but they are monitoring multiple locations in South Louisville very closely. The most impacted areas are Pond Creek- northern and southern ditches.

Executive Director of Louisville Metro Emergency Services Jody Meiman said more than 100 workers on still on site every single day working to get people back into their businesses, and back to life as usual. But they are facing challenges.

One of the most time-consuming parts of recovery has been collecting pieces of the aircraft, sealing them up, and sending them to the NTSB as evidence.

"There are a lot of people out there that are working very hard", Meiman said.

Meiman is encouraging people who need help in any way connected to the site to take advantage of the community resource center.

You can call a hotline at 502-473-5271, or you can visit the community resource center at 200 High Rise Drive. Call the number above to make an appointment.

Concert of Remembrance and Healing

Mayor Craig Greenberg and the Louisville Orchestra are hosting a free tribute concert this Thursday evening to honor those lost in the UPS Airlines Flight 2976 crash and to give the community a space to grieve together.

Louisville Orchestra Music Director Teddy Abrams said that after a tragedy like this, he believes it falls on the entire community to use the resources they have to help the community heal. For him, that is music.

The Concert of Remembrance and Healing will take place on November 20 at 7 p.m. in Whitney Hall at the Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. Doors open at 6 p.m., and anyone in the community is welcome to attend.

"This has been an incredibly difficult time for our community, and nobody should have to go through it alone," Mayor Greenberg said. "We're grateful to Teddy Abrams and the Louisville Orchestra for this opportunity to honor those we've lost, recognize the bravery of our first responders, and mourn together as one community."

The concert will feature pieces chosen specifically for reflection and healing- from the quiet sorrow of Samuel Barber's "Adagio for Strings" to the uplifting strength of Aaron Copland's "Fanfare for the Common Man." The program also includes the timeless "Amazing Grace," arranged for full orchestra.

Abrams said the entire region has felt the impact of this loss.

"Music brings comfort, healing, community, and belonging when it is most needed," Abrams said. "The Louisville Orchestra felt compelled to offer our music as a gesture of support to the city of Louisville, the UPS community, and to the first responders who acted with such bravery. We hope this program provides a moment of reflection and solidarity."

The evening will also recognize the first responders who answered the call and the UPS employees who supported the company's response efforts.

The concert is free to attend, and the city is providing complimentary parking in the PARC Riverfront Parking Garage at 141 North Sixth Street.

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