At Least Nine Dead After UPS Cargo Plane Crashes in Louisville, Kentucky
By Md Zamal Uddin |
A tragic aviation disaster struck Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday evening as a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff, killing at least nine people and injuring several others. The crash occurred at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, sending flames and thick black smoke billowing into the night sky.
UPS Plane Crash in Kentucky Leaves Nine Dead
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the deaths, stating that the plane’s three crew members were likely among the victims. “Anyone who has seen the images knows how violent this crash was,” he said, urging residents to stay clear of the area due to ongoing dangers from flammable and explosive materials at the crash site.
The incident took place around 5:15 p.m. local time (22:15 GMT) as the cargo aircraft attempted to take off for its journey to Hawaii, carrying 38,000 gallons of jet fuel. The explosion that followed was so intense that it engulfed nearby businesses, including a petroleum recycling company.
Officials have warned that the death toll could rise, with at least 16 families reporting missing loved ones. Two workers at one of the businesses struck by the plane remain unaccounted for, and investigators are still determining how many people were inside the affected buildings.
Louisville Airport Temporarily Closed
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed that airport operations were briefly suspended but have since resumed on Wednesday morning. All flights scheduled for Tuesday night were cancelled, while emergency teams worked overnight to contain the fire and secure the area.
The Louisville Fire Department Chief, Brian O’Neal, described the situation as “extremely dangerous” due to the large volume of fuel spilled on the ground. He added that hazardous materials teams were on-site to monitor for air quality and potential explosions.
Initially, a five-mile shelter-in-place order was issued to protect residents from possible toxic fumes and secondary explosions. This was later reduced to a one-mile radius after firefighters brought the flames under control.
Investigation Underway into Cause of UPS Cargo Plane Crash
A preliminary investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is underway. Officials say it is too early to determine what caused the UPS cargo plane to crash. However, early reports indicate that the aircraft may have experienced technical issues during takeoff.
The NTSB team is expected to remain on-site for several days as the wreckage is analyzed. “We don’t know how long it’s going to take to render the scene safe for a full investigation,” said Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey.
The aircraft involved was identified as a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, a triple-engine jet first delivered 34 years ago and later transferred to UPS in 2006. Both FedEx and UPS had announced plans in 2023 to retire their aging MD-11 fleets as part of modernization efforts.
In a statement, Boeing, which merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, said:
“We are ready to support our customer and the NTSB investigation. Our concern remains for the safety and well-being of everyone affected.”
UPS Responds: “Terribly Saddened by the Loss”
In a heartfelt statement, UPS confirmed that three crew members were on board and expressed deep sorrow over the tragedy:
“UPS is committed to the safety of our employees and the communities we serve. This is especially true in Louisville, home to our Worldport air hub and thousands of UPSers.”
The company also suspended operations at its Worldport facility, the largest package-handling hub in the world, as rescue and recovery efforts continued.
Louisville Community in Mourning
The accident has shaken the entire Louisville community, where UPS plays a major economic role. Local council member Betsy Ruhe said that “everyone in this city knows someone who works for UPS,” describing the incident as deeply personal for many families.
Emergency crews are still working to recover victims and secure the area from further hazards. Kentucky officials have urged patience and compassion as the investigation unfolds.
Key Details of the Kentucky Plane Crash
Location: Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, Kentucky
Aircraft: McDonnell Douglas MD-11F (operated by UPS)
Destination: Hawaii
Fuel Load: 38,000 gallons of jet fuel
Fatalities: At least 9 confirmed (death toll may rise)
Injuries: At least 11 people hospitalized
Investigation Lead: National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)
This tragic UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky, serves as a reminder of the dangers faced by air cargo crews and the importance of aviation safety standards. Federal investigators will continue examining the wreckage, flight data recorders, and maintenance records to determine the root cause.
Author: Md Zamal Uddin
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