At least 11 people were killed after a UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff from an airport in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday evening, the state's governor said. Andy Beshear indicated that the death toll could increase, potentially including at least one child, following the explosion of the freight plane shortly after departure at around 5:15 PM local time. The left engine reportedly caught fire and detached during takeoff, igniting a major fire that sent thick smoke into the skies, as reported by the National Transportation Safety Board. Over a dozen individuals have been treated for severe injuries caused by burns, shrapnel, and smoke inhalation.
Authorities are still searching for victims, and officials fear that many remain unaccounted for. The three-member crew aboard is believed to be among the deceased. A preliminary investigation is ongoing, and while it is early to determine the cause, data from the flight's black boxes is being analyzed. Videos captured from surveillance footage reveal the left engine detaching from the aircraft before it struck multiple businesses near the airport.
In response to the tragedy, Beshear declared a state of emergency to facilitate more efficient management of emergency resources. Following the crash, the airport temporarily closed its runway, although it has since reopened. Numerous families have reported missing loved ones, including two workers from one of the impacted businesses.
The aircraft involved was an MD-11F, a model which has been in service since the mid-1980s and was initially used as a passenger jet before converting to cargo operations. UPS has expressed its sorrow over the incident and paused operations at its Worldport facility in Louisville, underscoring its commitment to employee and community safety.
As investigations unfold, the Louisville community remains united in grief and support for those affected by the crash.
Authorities are still searching for victims, and officials fear that many remain unaccounted for. The three-member crew aboard is believed to be among the deceased. A preliminary investigation is ongoing, and while it is early to determine the cause, data from the flight's black boxes is being analyzed. Videos captured from surveillance footage reveal the left engine detaching from the aircraft before it struck multiple businesses near the airport.
In response to the tragedy, Beshear declared a state of emergency to facilitate more efficient management of emergency resources. Following the crash, the airport temporarily closed its runway, although it has since reopened. Numerous families have reported missing loved ones, including two workers from one of the impacted businesses.
The aircraft involved was an MD-11F, a model which has been in service since the mid-1980s and was initially used as a passenger jet before converting to cargo operations. UPS has expressed its sorrow over the incident and paused operations at its Worldport facility in Louisville, underscoring its commitment to employee and community safety.
As investigations unfold, the Louisville community remains united in grief and support for those affected by the crash.
