UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Louisville Kills Nine — Investigation Underway
A UPS cargo plane crashed just after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, erupting into flames and causing devastating damage to nearby businesses.
According to officials, the MD-11 aircraft, bound for Honolulu, crashed minutes after takeoff, striking Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts. Initially, three fatalities were reported, but by Wednesday morning, the death toll rose to nine, with 16 individuals still unaccounted for, according to CBS News.
Governor Andy Beshear described the crash as “catastrophic,” noting the aircraft carried 38,000 gallons of fuel. “It may be some time until we can account for everyone,” he said.
Dramatic footage shows the plane ascending with flames visible on its left wing before plummeting and exploding into a massive fireball. A shelter-in-place order was issued as hundreds of firefighters battled the blaze overnight.
“These are trained firefighters searching grid by grid,” said Fire Chief Brian O’Neill.
The NTSB has dispatched a 28-member team to investigate the cause of the tragedy.
