LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A UPS cargo plane crashed while taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday, resulting in at least seven fatalities and 11 injuries, authorities said.

The incident occurred at approximately 5:15 p.m. as the aircraft was departing for Honolulu from the UPS Worldport facility. Video footage captured flames on the left wing and a trail of smoke before the plane lifted slightly off the ground and subsequently crashed, erupting in a massive fireball.

Among the deceased, four individuals were not on board the aircraft, while multiple injuries sustained by those present were described as “very significant” by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. He noted uncertainty regarding the status of the three pilots aboard the McDonnell Douglas MD-11, built in 1991.

UPS has suspended operations at its largest package handling facility in Louisville, which processes over 400,000 packages per hour and employs thousands. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the crash, sending 28 personnel to the scene.

Emergency responders reported that nearby businesses were affected, including Kentucky Petroleum Recycling, where witnesses have sought information about missing individuals. The airport was temporarily closed, with operations expected to resume by Wednesday morning.

Witnesses described the explosion as sounding like a bomb, significantly unsettling nearby residents and businesses, including an Outback restaurant located approximately 15 minutes away.

Pablo Rojas, an aviation attorney, indicated that the fire appeared to compromise the aircraft's ability to gain altitude due to the large volume of fuel onboard, which could have contributed to the explosion.

This report is based on information from authorities and eyewitness reports.