Lede: A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport Tuesday evening, resulting in at least nine fatalities.
Authorities confirmed the incident occurred around 5 p.m. local time, with the aircraft, bound for Honolulu, crashing into several businesses, including a recycling facility. The crash ignited a massive fire fueled by over 38,000 gallons of jet fuel, prompting multiple explosions and a large plume of smoke visible across the area.
Local fire departments responded, deploying hundreds of personnel to control the fire and search for victims. Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O'Neill described the response as a large-scale incident requiring extensive resources to ensure safety and manage the situation.
The three crew members aboard the aircraft are presumed dead, according to officials. The crash has affected nearby businesses, including power outages at a Ford Manufacturing plant. A shelter-in-place order was initially issued within a five-mile radius of the airport but has since been reduced to one mile due to air quality concerns.
Officials have urged residents not to touch falling debris and report findings to authorities. The investigation into the cause of the crash is being conducted by the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board.
Louisville's UPS hub plays a crucial role in the city's economy, processing millions of packages daily. Community leaders are expressing condolences, emphasizing the deep connections many residents have to UPS and its employees.
This incident remains under investigation, with updates forthcoming.