UPS Cargo Plane Crash Kills Seven in Louisville
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded Tuesday evening at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in at least seven fatalities and 11 injuries, authorities said.
The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. as the aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, was departing for Honolulu from the company's Worldport facility. Video footage captured flames on the left wing before the plane briefly lifted off the ground, crashed, and exploded.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed some of the injured had “very significant” injuries. The status of the three crew members aboard the aircraft remains unknown.
The airport has been closed since the crash and is not expected to resume operations until Wednesday morning. Emergency services have been deployed to manage the scene, which includes damage to a nearby business, Kentucky Petroleum Recycling.
Witnesses described the explosion as massive, with flames and smoke visible from a distance. Tom Brooks Jr., a local business owner, remarked on the “unbelievable magnitude” of the crash.
UPS has acknowledged the incident and stated the National Transportation Safety Board will conduct an investigation.
Police Chief Paul Humphrey indicated the area's safety assessment will take time. The crash site is notably close to residential areas and local attractions.
AP reporters contributed to this report.
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