At least 11 people were killed after a UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff from an airport in Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday evening, according to the state's governor, Andy Beshear. The death toll may rise as it likely includes at least one child, after the freight plane exploded upon departure from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport at around 17:15 local time (22:15 GMT).
The incident was triggered when the left engine caught fire and detached from the aircraft, leading to the explosion and a significant fire that produced thick smoke visible for miles, according to the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB).
More than a dozen individuals suffered injuries, including burns, shrapnel injuries, and smoke inhalation. Survivors are reported to have experienced very significant injuries, and crews continue to search for additional victims as multiple people remain unaccounted for. The plane's three-member crew is among those feared dead.
Preliminary investigations indicate that while it is too early to determine the exact cause of the crash, surveillance footage and flight data are aiding the inquiry. The cockpit flight recorder and flight data recorder, commonly referred to as the black box, have been recovered. Initial reports revealed that the left engine detached from the wing during the takeoff roll, and although the plane lifted off and cleared a fence at the end of the runway, it ultimately crashed into multiple businesses nearby.
Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency to aid resource mobilization through emergency management and the Kentucky National Guard. In the aftermath, the airport's runway reopened to resume flights, but local officials reported that 16 families have reported loved ones unaccounted for, highlighting the extensive search efforts still underway.
UPS has confirmed that three crew members were on board, but precise details regarding injuries or casualties remain unverified as the situation evolves. Investigators noted that the plane was carrying a substantial amount of fuel for its trip to Hawaii, which posed heightened fire risks, leading to significant explosions that engulfed nearby businesses.
Initially, a shelter-in-place order was issued for a five-mile radius around the crash site due to explosion and air pollution concerns, later revised to a one-mile radius as responders worked quickly to contain the flames. Local officials stressed the importance of keeping the community away from the scene due to lingering risks from flammable materials.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, the aircraft involved in the crash, first entered service 34 years ago. While investigations continue, Boeing has expressed its readiness to support UPS and emphasized its commitment to safety for all affected.
