A devastating aviation accident has shaken Louisville, after a UPS cargo aircraft crashed during takeoff at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, killing at least 14 people and injuring several others. Federal investigators and local authorities are now working urgently to determine what caused the fatal crash, which occurred around 5:15 p.m. Tuesday.

The aircraft involved was a UPS MD-11 cargo plane, scheduled to depart for Honolulu. Officials confirmed the plane was carrying standard freight along with approximately 38,000 gallons of jet fuel. Shortly after beginning its takeoff roll, the aircraft reportedly experienced a catastrophic failure that prevented it from gaining proper altitude.

Witnesses described a terrifying scene as the plane appeared to struggle to lift off, remaining unusually low before veering off course. Moments later, it crashed near the runway, triggering a massive fireball and sending thick black smoke into the sky. The impact and subsequent explosions caused fires that spread to nearby industrial buildings, compounding the destruction and placing people on the ground in immediate danger.

Emergency responders rushed to the scene within minutes. Firefighters battled intense flames fueled by jet fuel, while police and medical teams secured the area and searched for survivors. However, authorities later confirmed that the operation had shifted from rescue to recovery, indicating there were no additional survivors expected to be found.