A UPS cargo plane erupted in flames during takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport last night, claiming the lives of seven people and injuring eleven others. The MD-11 aircraft, carrying a staggering 280,000 gallons of fuel, became a horrifying spectacle as it exploded, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.
Witnesses reported seeing smoke rising from the plane’s left wing just moments before the disaster. The aircraft briefly lifted off the runway, then crashed and immediately burst into an inferno. The sheer force of the explosion ripped through the surrounding area, sending debris scattering across the airfield and beyond.
The plane was destined for Honolulu, Hawaii, when the catastrophic event unfolded around 5:15 pm. Three crew members and four individuals on the ground were tragically lost. Authorities are working diligently to identify all the victims amidst the extensive damage.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed deep concern over the massive fuel load, stating it presented “extreme reason for concern.” Thick, black smoke billowed for miles, prompting authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order within a five-mile radius of the crash site, later reduced to one mile, due to potential air quality hazards.
Initial reports indicate the explosion caused significant damage to nearby structures, including a factory building with a large hole blown into its side. Debris littered the runway and surrounding car parks, painting a grim picture of the impact. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have launched a full investigation.
Louisville Metro Police Department confirmed the incident and closed Grade Lane indefinitely between Stooges and Crittenden, urging the public to avoid the area. The airfield remains closed as emergency responders continue to assess the scene and investigate the cause of this devastating crash.
Governor Beshear urged the state to offer prayers for the pilots, crew, and all those affected by the tragedy. The airport, which includes several UPS facilities, is now the focus of a meticulous investigation to determine the factors that led to this heartbreaking event.
