Tragic Plane Crash in Kentucky Claims 11 Lives

Mon Nov 10 2025 21:59:00 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in the deaths of at least 11 individuals, including a child. Investigators are probing the cause as survivors are reported with severe injuries.

A UPS cargo plane tragically crashed during takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, leading to a death toll of at least 11, possibly including children. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating why the left engine detached during ascent, resulting in a fire that engulfed the aircraft and caused explosions at nearby businesses. Many victims remain unaccounted for amidst serious injuries among survivors. Louisville officials are coordinating resources for emergency response.

At least 11 people lost their lives after a UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff from an airport in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday evening, as confirmed by the state's governor, Andy Beshear.

Beshear indicated that the death toll could rise and includes potentially one child, as the freight plane exploded shortly after departing Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport at approximately 5:15 PM local time.

According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the left engine of the aircraft caught fire and fell from the wing during takeoff, leading to a significant fire and smoke billowing into the air.

In addition to the fatalities, more than a dozen others suffered injuries ranging from burns and shrapnel wounds to smoke inhalation.

Officials stated that the situation remains critical as crews continue to search for other victims, with multiple individuals still unaccounted for. The three-member crew is among those presumed dead.

Although a preliminary investigation is ongoing, authorities stress that it is too soon to determine the exact cause of the crash. Surveillance footage and flight data is currently being analyzed.

The NTSB has retrieved the cockpit voice recorder and flight data recorder, commonly referred to as the black box. Early reviews of CCTV footage showed the left engine detaching during takeoff.

The plane managed to lift off before crashing into multiple businesses adjacent to the airport.

Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency to expedite resource mobilization through emergency management and the Kentucky National Guard as a response to this incident.

Despite the tragedy, the airport has reopened its runway for resuming flights.

Reports indicate that at least 16 families have contacted officials about loved ones who are still missing, heightening the urgency of ongoing rescue missions.

The plane, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was carrying around 38,000 gallons of fuel for a long-distance flight to Hawaii when the incident occurred, complicating the fire response and creating a large debris zone.

The UPS Worldport facility in Louisville, where the crash took place, is a critical hub for the company’s air cargo operations.

The company expressed profound sadness regarding the incident and suspended package sorting operations as investigations continue.