Plane Crash Near Louisville Airport Claims Lives, Multiple Injuries Reported
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (TNND) — A UPS MD-11 aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday, Nov. 4, around 5:15 p.m. local time, resulting in multiple injuries and fatalities.
Authorities confirm at least three people are dead, with 11 others injured. Governor Andy Beshear warned that the casualty numbers may rise as the situation unfolds. The Louisville Metro Police Department reported the crash site is located at Fern Valley and Grade Lane.
Videos from the scene show large plumes of black smoke and flames. A shelter-in-place order has been issued for all locations within five miles of the airport, and officials are urging residents to avoid the area. The state's health department has advised those in the vicinity to turn off air intake systems.
Arriving and departing flights from the airport have been suspended as emergency crews respond to the active scene. UPS acknowledged the incident, stating that the flight was en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the scenes as “heartbreaking,” urging prayers for those affected. The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are leading the investigation into the crash.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed the aircraft was carrying approximately 280,000 gallons of fuel. A briefing with Governor Beshear is expected soon.
This story is developing and will be updated as new information becomes available.