Local News
UPS pilots killed in Louisville plane crash identified as Richard Warternberg, Dana Diamond and Lee Truitt
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — United Parcel Service (UPS) has confirmed the identities of the three flight crew members who tragically lost their lives in the crash of UPS Flight 2976 near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening.
The victims have been identified as:
- Captain Richard Wartenberg
- Relief Captain Dana Diamond
- First Officer Lee Truitt from Albuquerque
In a statement released Thursday, UPS expressed its profound grief over the loss, saying,
“We are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of our colleagues Captain Richard Wartenberg, Relief Captain Dana Diamond, and First Officer Lee Truitt. Our hearts are with their families, friends, and the entire UPS family during this difficult time.”
The three veteran pilots were aboard UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 cargo aircraft, when it crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville at approximately 5:15 p.m. on November 4, 2025.
The plane was en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu when it experienced a catastrophic failure and went down in an industrial area near Grade Lane and Fern Valley Road.
Newly released dashcam footage captured the horrifying final moments of the aircraft as it descended rapidly and erupted into a massive fireball upon impact.
The explosion ignited multiple nearby buildings and vehicles, sending debris and flames into the air and causing widespread destruction throughout the area.
Emergency crews rushed to the scene as dense black smoke billowed over the city. Officials have confirmed at least 12 fatalities, including a young child, with 15 people injured and 16 still unaccounted for.
Authorities caution that the death toll may continue to rise as search and recovery operations progress.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the incident as “catastrophic,” urging prayers for the victims, their families, and the first responders.
“That number is going to get larger,” Beshear said during a press briefing, referring to the increasing casualty count as recovery efforts continue.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has assumed control of the investigation. Early video analysis suggests that the plane’s left engine detached from the wing during takeoff, moments before the crash — a key piece of evidence that will play a crucial role in determining the cause of the disaster.
Authorities have also provided the following operational updates:
- Death Toll: 12 confirmed fatalities, additional victims expected
- Reunification Center: Established at 2911 Taylor Blvd for affected families
- Search & Rescue: Ongoing in surrounding structures
- Shelter-in-Place: Reduced to a ¼-mile radius around the crash site
- Airport Operations: One runway open; Runway 17R/35L closed until November 15
Meanwhile, Louisville Metro Police have issued a public warning about scammers attempting to exploit grieving families by impersonating investigators and demanding payment for information on missing loved ones.
Authorities stressed that no legitimate agency will ever request money in exchange for updates and urged residents to report suspicious communications immediately to LMPD at (502) 574-LMPD (5673).
Additional dashcam footage from nearby motorists showed a massive shockwave rippling across the area as the aircraft exploded on impact, offering investigators valuable insight into one of the most devastating aviation disasters in Louisville’s history.
UPS stated it is working closely with federal authorities and continues to support the families of the victims. The company’s Worldport facility, which serves as its global air hub, remains operational under limited capacity.
Located in Louisville, the 5.2-million-square-foot hub employs over 20,000 people and handles more than 300 flights daily, sorting over 400,000 packages per hour.
Governor Beshear concluded with a message of solidarity:
“Please pray for the pilots, crew, and everyone affected. First responders are onsite, and we will share more information as it becomes available.”
Local News
At least two killed, multiple trapped after explosion at Silver Lake Nursing Home in Bristol
BRISTOL, Pa. (Bucks County) — Emergency crews are responding to a major incident at the Silver Lake Nursing Home following a reported gas explosion that caused a partial building collapse.
The incident occurred at approximately 905 Tower Road, where a second alarm and a Level 2 Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) response were requested as conditions escalated.
First-arriving units reported significant structural damage to the facility, prompting an immediate search-and-rescue operation for residents and staff.
Authorities on scene indicated that approximately 15 patients were initially accounted for outside the building, while multiple others remain unaccounted for.
Rescue teams have reported numerous individuals trapped beneath debris on the second floor, as well as additional victims trapped in the basement area.
At least two fatalities has been reported in the basement, according to early emergency communications.
As the situation developed, a third alarm was transmitted, bringing in substantial mutual aid resources, including out-of-county fire, rescue, and emergency medical units. A medical helicopter has been placed on standby in anticipation of critical patient transport.
Emergency personnel continue to conduct systematic searches of the damaged structure while assessing stability concerns and coordinating patient triage.
The extent of injuries and the total number of victims have not yet been confirmed.
Road closures are in effect in the surrounding area as emergency operations continue. Officials have advised the public to avoid the scene to allow responders unobstructed access.
This remains a rapidly evolving situation.
Authorities are expected to release additional information as more details are confirmed.