LOUISVILLE, Ky. – A UPS cargo plane tragically crashed just after takeoff from the Louisville airport, resulting in the deaths of at least seven individuals and leaving eleven others with serious injuries.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:15 PM when the left wing of the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, which was manufactured in 1991, caught fire as it departed for Honolulu from the UPS Worldport located at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the fatalities and numerous injuries, with several victims remaining unidentifiable at this time. Importantly, four of the deceased were not passengers on the plane.

A Trail of Destruction

Eyewitness accounts and video footage reveal the catastrophic moment when flames erupted from the plane's left wing, leading to a dramatic explosion shortly after takeoff. Videos showcased numerous fireballs shooting into the sky, startling nearby residents. Louisville Fire Department Chief, Brian O’Neill, described the fire as spanning nearly a full city block.

The Louisville airport was shut down in the aftermath of the crash, with operations not expected to resume until Wednesday morning.

UPS Responds

In response to the awful incident, UPS issued a statement acknowledging the crash and noted that the National Transportation Safety Board would be leading the investigation. Operations at the Louisville facility, which is one of their largest hubs, that sorts more than 400,000 packages an hour, were halted on Tuesday night.

UPS officials reported that there was no hazardous cargo on board the ill-fated flight.

Aviation Expert Weighs In

Aviation attorney Pablo Rojas commented on the situation, indicating that early signs of the fire indicated severe challenges for the aircraft as it attempted to gain altitude. He noted that given the significant amount of fuel onboard, any developing flames would likely lead to catastrophic outcomes.

The incident has raised several safety concerns regarding the response capabilities of the onboard crew, especially as they ascended on takeoff.