Summary: A UPS cargo aircraft crashed near Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, killing at least three people and injuring 11 others, according to state officials. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has warned that the casualty toll is likely to rise as emergency crews continue recovery operations.
The Incident
The aircraft, identified as UPS Airlines Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD‑11, went down shortly after 5:15 p.m. local time while attempting to depart for Honolulu. Witnesses reported flames on the plane’s left wing before it briefly lifted off the runway, then crashed and exploded in a fireball.
The impact damaged part of a nearby industrial building and ignited multiple fires. Louisville Metro Police and Fire Department units responded immediately, describing the scene as “catastrophic.”
Casualties and Emergency Response
- Fatalities: At least three confirmed dead, with the number expected to increase.
- Injuries: Eleven people are being treated at local hospitals, several in critical condition.
- Crew: UPS confirmed three crew members were aboard, though their conditions have not been fully disclosed.
Governor Beshear urged caution, noting the danger posed by unstable debris and ongoing fires. A shelter-in-place order was issued for residents within a five-mile radius of the airport.
Investigation
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation. Early reports suggest a possible engine fire as the cause of the crash. Investigators will examine the flight data recorders, maintenance records, and eyewitness accounts.
UPS Airlines expressed condolences to the victims’ families, pledging full cooperation with authorities.
Wider Impact
Louisville is home to UPS Worldport, one of the world’s largest air cargo hubs. The crash has temporarily disrupted operations, though contingency measures are in place to minimize supply chain delays.
Aviation experts note that while the MD‑11 remains widely used, it has a history of handling challenges during takeoff and landing, and has been involved in several high-profile accidents.
In short: A UPS MD‑11 cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff in Louisville, Kentucky, killing at least three and injuring 11. With investigations underway and the death toll expected to rise, the tragedy has shaken one of the world’s busiest cargo hubs.
Picture for illustration purposes only: Burning Crashed Plane Picture by Japan Transportation Safety Board
