UPS Cargo Plane Explodes After Takeoff in Louisville, Killing Seven and Injuring Eleven
A tragic aviation disaster struck on Tuesday, November 4, when a UPS cargo plane exploded moments after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, killing seven people and injuring eleven others.
The MD-11 aircraft, bound for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, erupted into flames shortly after lifting off around 5:15 p.m. Footage circulating on social media shows the plane struggling to gain altitude as a fire blazed from its left wing, before it plunged into the ground and exploded into a massive fireball.
The impact set nearby businesses—Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts—ablaze, with debris scattered across several miles. Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that three crew members were aboard the flight and warned the death toll may rise as recovery efforts continue.
Officials said the aircraft was carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, intensifying the inferno that covered nearly five miles. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board have launched an investigation, while UPS expressed deep sorrow, calling the tragedy “heartbreaking for our entire UPS family.”
“It may be some time until we can account for everyone,” Governor Beshear said, urging prayers for the victims and their families.
The large UPS cargo plane that crashed and exploded was headed to Hawaii. Flight 2976 from Louisville, Kentucky had 3 crew members on board. In the video, it appears that the engine was on fire before gaining high altitude. pic.twitter.com/HUFK3PLVPa
— Jere_Memez (@Jere_Memez) November 5, 2025
