Louisville, Kentucky — A tragic incident unfolded Tuesday afternoon when a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the company’s major logistics hub. The crash at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport resulted in the deaths of at least four individuals and left 11 others injured, with several sustaining serious wounds, authorities reported.
The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was departing for Honolulu around 5:15 p.m. when it reportedly encountered difficulties. Eyewitness videos captured alarming images of flames erupting from one wing and a subsequent explosion that sent a massive fireball into the sky, shaking buildings in the vicinity. Damage was noted to a nearby facility, hinting that the impact was severe.
According to Officer Jonathan Biven, a spokesperson for the airport, the confirmed death toll stands at four. Among the injured, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear indicated that some individuals were facing life-threatening conditions. “The images and videos of this crash are harrowing and reflect the violent nature of the incident,” he remarked during a press conference.
The plane was part of UPS’s global network, which maintains a significant presence in Louisville, employing thousands and facilitating hundreds of flights daily. Louisville Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe expressed concern for the local community, noting the widespread connections many residents have to UPS. “This event has impacted us all, and many are frantically reaching out to loved ones,” she emphasized, conveying her condolences to affected families.
UPS acknowledged the crash and stated that the National Transportation Safety Board is in charge of the ongoing investigation into the cause of the accident. Meanwhile, operations at the airport were suspended, with officials cautioning that it could take hours before the area was deemed safe for flight activities to resume.
Local authorities are also assessing damage to nearby businesses, including Kentucky Petroleum Recycling, which appeared to have sustained substantial impacts. Louisville Police Chief Paul Humphrey noted the unpredictability of the situation, stating, “We’re unsure how long it will take to secure the crash site and evaluate the extent of the damage.”
Witnesses were left in disbelief at the crash’s magnitude. Leirim Rodríguez, who was nearby at the time, recorded a series of explosions, describing the scene as chaotic and shocking. Tom Brooks Jr., who operates a metal recycling business close to the airport, conveyed his astonishment, stating, “It felt like an earthquake; it looked like a war zone.”
Further away, patrons at an Outback restaurant experienced heightened anxiety after hearing the loud explosion. Employee Destyn Mitchell mentioned that the mood shifted dramatically as customers hurried to leave after the incident. “They were visibly shaken, many chose to leave their meals behind to get home as soon as possible,” she said, reflecting the broader community’s concern following the disaster.
The airport, located just a short drive from downtown Louisville, serves as a vital transportation hub, contributing significantly to the economy and daily life of the region. As investigations continue, the community mourns the loss and prays for the recovery of those injured in this devastating event.