Seven dead and several injured after UPS cargo plane crashes at Louisville Airport, causing massive fires
A devastating tragedy unfolded at Louisville International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday evening, as a UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff, killing at least seven people and leaving several others injured. The explosion that followed set nearby businesses ablaze, sending plumes of smoke into the sky and prompting urgent evacuations.
UPS Flight 2976, an MD-11 cargo aircraft bound for Hawaii, crashed at approximately 17:15 local time. The plane, which had been carrying around 38,000 gallons of fuel, skidded off the runway and slammed into nearby buildings, including a fuel recycling company. The ensuing fire engulfed several structures, and local residents within a five-mile radius were ordered to take shelter as emergency crews battled the blaze.
As of now, the confirmed death toll stands at seven, with local authorities expressing fears that this number could rise further as search operations continue. In addition to the fatalities, at least 11 people have been treated for injuries. The condition of the injured is not yet fully known, but authorities have warned that more casualties could be uncovered as the night progresses.
The three crew members aboard the ill-fated flight have yet to be accounted for, and officials have refrained from releasing further details on their identities. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, with a dedicated team expected to arrive on-site in the morning.
Mayor Craig Greenberg of Louisville described the incident as “catastrophic” during a late-night briefing. He confirmed that the fire has now been largely contained, but the search for any survivors or additional victims is ongoing. Local officials are working with the FAA, UPS, and other authorities to understand the full scale of the tragedy.
UPS has issued a statement expressing condolences for those affected, and has confirmed that the plane was en route to Hawaii when the crash occurred. The company has yet to comment on the status of its three crew members.
This devastating event marks one of the most tragic aviation accidents in the region in recent years. The crash site remains under investigation, and the local community continues to grapple with the aftermath of the destruction.