UPS Plane Crash Near Louisville Kills Seven, Injures Eleven

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff from the UPS Worldport at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, resulting in seven fatalities and eleven injuries, authorities said.

The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. as the aircraft was departing for Honolulu. Eyewitness footage captured flames on the left wing before the plane lifted slightly off the ground and subsequently crashed, producing a fireball and significant explosion. Parts of a nearby building's roof were also shredded by the blast.

Four of the deceased were not aboard the plane, officials confirmed. Among the injured, some sustained “very significant” injuries, according to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. The status of the three crew members aboard the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 is currently unknown.

UPS has suspended package sorting at its facility, the company announced Tuesday night. With thousands employed at the hub, operations are uncertain as recovery efforts begin.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg stated the National Transportation Safety Board is leading the investigation and deploying 28 personnel to the scene. The airport was closed and is expected to remain shut until Wednesday morning.

Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion and described the area as resembling a war zone. Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and a nearby auto parts operation were notably affected.

The cause of the crash is under investigation. The Louisville airport is situated just ten minutes from downtown Louisville, adjacent to residential areas and other businesses.

(AP contributed to this report.)