Chaos erupted near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening when a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff. Thick black smoke filled the sky as explosions were reported in nearby neighborhoods. Emergency crews quickly responded to contain the fire and assist those affected.
The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter operating as UPS Flight 2976 to Honolulu, went down around 5:15 p.m. local time, just moments after leaving the airport’s runway. Witnesses reported seeing part of the left engine detach from the wing, followed by a large fire. The plane crashed into an industrial area near the UPS Worldport facility, causing secondary fires and explosions.
Authorities established a five-mile safety perimeter due to hazardous smoke and debris. Louisville Metro Police confirmed that multiple agencies, including fire and EMS teams, responded immediately to the incident. Governor Andy Beshear praised first responders for their efforts under difficult conditions and urged residents to keep those affected in their thoughts.
Casualties and Injuries
As of late Tuesday, officials confirmed that at least 13 people were killed, including all three crew members. Several others on the ground were also among the victims, and fifteen people were hospitalized with burns and injuries. Two remained in critical condition overnight. Firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze and secure the area.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation with support from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Preliminary reports suggest the aircraft experienced a mechanical failure during takeoff. Investigators are reviewing recent maintenance records and analyzing the flight recorders, which have been sent to Washington, D.C. for examination.
Community Response
Residents near the airport described the crash as terrifying. “All you could see was black smoke. It sounded like thunder that wouldn’t stop,” said one witness. UPS expressed condolences to the families of those affected and emphasized the company’s commitment to cooperating with authorities.
Conclusion
The UPS cargo plane crash has left the Louisville community in shock. With multiple lives lost and an investigation underway, officials caution that it may take months to determine the full cause. For now, attention remains on supporting victims, honoring first responders, and understanding how such a tragic event occurred.