A UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday evening resulted in the deaths of seven individuals, according to the state governor. The incident occurred shortly after takeoff from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, around 5:15 PM local time. The aircraft exploded during its departure, leading to significant injuries for at least 11 others and clouds of black smoke rising into the air.
Governor Andy Beshear indicated that three crewmembers were likely among the deceased. He emphasized the severity of the crash, which officials described as “violent.” There are concerns that the death toll may increase due to the nature of the injuries. The flight, UPS 2976, was en route to Honolulu and carried approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel at the time of the crash.
The plane skidded off the runway, impacting nearby buildings, and caused fires that engulfed at least two local businesses, including a petroleum recycling facility. Initially, a shelter-in-place order was issued for a five-mile radius around the airport, later reduced to one mile due to concerns over potential further explosions and air pollution. The airport has since canceled all departing flights for the evening.
The Louisville Fire Department reported that the fire has been largely contained, though personnel remain on-site to ensure safety and conduct searches for additional victims. Emergency services have deployed extensive resources to manage the situation effectively.
Investigations into the cause of the crash will be conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which is expected to arrive in Kentucky shortly. Local officials have described the crash site as an active scene that will take days to secure for investigation. The aircraft involved was an MD-11F, a model utilized by UPS, and part of an aging fleet being phased out by the company.
UPS expressed its condolences and temporarily halted package sorting operations at its Worldport facility in Louisville. The incident has deeply affected the local community, with many residents connected to the UPS workforce. State and city officials have voiced their support for the victims and first responders involved in the emergency efforts.
Source: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ce9dyyydjr0o?at_medium=RSS&at_campaign=rss