At least seven people are dead after UPS plane crashed in Kentucky
At least seven people were killed and 11 others injured after a UPS cargo plane carrying roughly 280,000 gallons of fuel crashed and erupted into flames at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening.
The MD-11 aircraft was attempting to take off for Honolulu, Hawaii, when witnesses reported seeing smoke rising from its left wing. Moments later, the plane lifted slightly off the ground before crashing back down and exploding into a massive fireball that sent thick black smoke billowing for miles.
Casualties and Damage
UPS confirmed there were three crew members on board, though authorities have not said whether they are among the dead. Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O’Neill reported that four of those killed were not on the aircraft.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said 11 people suffered “very significant” injuries. Aerial footage showed extensive damage across an industrial area near the airport, including a factory building that appeared to have been hit by debris from the blast.
Authorities Respond and Investigate
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said the enormous amount of fuel on the plane raised serious safety and environmental concerns. “My understanding is that there were about 280,000 gallons of fuel on the plane, and that is extremely concerning for many reasons,” he told local station WLKY-TV.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft was a UPS MD-11 bound for Honolulu and said it is working with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to investigate the cause of the crash.
In a statement, the airport said, “Aircraft incident confirmed at SDF. The airfield is currently closed—more details to come.” Louisville Metro Police added that Grade Lane, a nearby road, will remain closed indefinitely as emergency crews continue operations.
What Happens Next
Federal investigators are expected to remain at the scene for several days, gathering evidence to determine what caused the fire and subsequent crash. UPS said it is cooperating fully with authorities and expressed condolences to those affected by the tragedy.
