A tragic scene unfolded Tuesday evening in Louisville, Kentucky, when a UPS cargo plane burst into flames moments after takeoff — killing at least seven people and leaving several others missing.
The aircraft, identified as UPS Flight 2976, was headed to Honolulu, Hawaii, when it crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time, just three miles south of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Fireball engulfs buildings
The plane reportedly struck multiple buildings, including a fuel recycling facility, igniting a massive blaze that emergency crews battled late into the night. Authorities said the aircraft was carrying an estimated 38,000 gallons of jet fuel, intensifying the inferno that could be seen for miles.
Residents living within five miles of the airport were ordered to shelter indoors as firefighters worked to contain the flames and monitor air quality.
Jefferson County Public Schools — the largest district in Kentucky — announced that all classes will be canceled on Wednesday following the shelter-in-place order issued after the crash.
Seven dead, more expected
As of Tuesday night, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that at least seven people had died, a number expected to rise as recovery efforts continue.
“The news out of Louisville is tough tonight,” Beshear wrote on X. “First responders are working tirelessly to extinguish the fire and keep people safe. Please, pray for the families affected. Kentucky is hurting right now after a heartbreaking day.”
At least 11 others were injured, and several remain unaccounted for, including the three UPS crew members who were on board when the plane went down.
Shocking video footage
Dashcam and bystander videos have captured the horrifying moment the cargo jet skidded off the runway and exploded. Flames engulfed nearby structures within seconds, sending plumes of thick black smoke into the air.
Clips shared online show fire trucks and emergency vehicles swarming the crash site as crews fought to control the raging fire well into the night.
Investigation Underway
By midnight, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said the fire was mostly contained, but the full extent of the devastation remained unclear.
“There are more than a 100 firefighters from across the region still on the scene working to make it safe for everyone in our community,” Greenberg said.
“The airport is closed for this evening, will be open tomorrow morning,” Greenberg said.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are expected to begin their investigation Wednesday morning.
UPS Responds
In a statement, UPS expressed heartbreak over the crash.
“Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone involved. UPS is committed to the safety of our employees, our customers and the communities we serve. This is particularly true in Louisville, home to our airline and thousands of UPSers,” the statement said.
