In brief
On Tuesday evening, a UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, leading to the deaths of at least seven individuals and injuring 11 others. The crash occurred around 5:15 PM local time and involved a DC-11F aircraft that was carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, which resulted in explosions that engulfed nearby businesses. Rescue operations continue as authorities work to control the scene and support the affected community. The NTSB has initiated an investigation into the incident.
Seven people were killed when a UPS cargo plane crashed while taking off from an airport in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday evening, the state's governor said.
At least 11 other people were injured when the freight plane exploded as it departed Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport at around 17:15 local time (22:15 GMT), sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said the plane's three crew members were likely among the dead, adding that, Anyone who has seen the images and the video knows how violent this crash is.
Officials warned that people suffered very significant injuries in the incident and the death toll could rise.
UPS flight 2976 bound for Honolulu, Hawaii was carrying 38,000 gallons (144,000 litres) of fuel when it skidded off the runway in Louisville and struck nearby buildings.
The explosion engulfed at least two nearby businesses, including a petroleum recycling company. A shelter-in-place order was initially issued for within five miles of the airport due to concerns of further explosions and air pollution, but was later reduced to just one mile.
All departing flights for Tuesday evening were cancelled, the airport said in a statement on X.
Louisville Fire Dept Chief Brian O'Neill said the fire has almost entirely been contained, with crews still deployed at the crash site.
When you have such a large scale incident and fire that spread over such a massive area, we have to use hundreds of personnel to surround it, contain it, and then slowly bring it in, O'Neill said.
He added: These are trained firefighters from all around the region that are handling this to search, grid by grid, very carefully to make sure if we can find any other victims.
At a press conference, Beshear warned people not to go to the crash site, saying that, There are still dangerous things that are flammable, that are potentially explosive.
Beshear said he would not speculate as to what caused the incident, adding that the National Transportation Safety Bureau (NTSB) would be leading the investigation.
The NTSB's investigative team is scheduled to arrive in Kentucky on Wednesday.
Louisville Metro Police Dept Chief Paul Humphrey said that the crash site will be an ongoing active scene for the next several days.
The aircraft was a MD-11F, a triple-engine jet that started service 34 years ago with Thai Airways as a passenger jet, but was transferred to UPS in 2006.
In a statement, Boeing said it is ready to support our customer and that our concern is for the safety and well-being of all those affected.
During the press conference, Louisville Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe said that the city is a UPS town, and that every resident would know somebody who works for the company.
State Senator Keturah Herron said, Many of us watch our family members and loved ones pass through [Louisville airport] on a regular basis.
