Ask Onix
Nine Dead as UPS Cargo Plane Crashes During Takeoff in Kentucky
A UPS cargo plane veered off the runway and erupted in flames during takeoff at Louisville International Airport on Tuesday, killing at least nine people and injuring 11 others, officials confirmed. The death toll is expected to rise as rescue operations continue.
Crash and Immediate Aftermath
UPS Flight 2976, an MD-11F cargo aircraft, crashed at approximately 17:15 local time shortly after lifting off. The plane, bound for Hawaii with 38,000 gallons (144,000 liters) of fuel onboard, struck multiple buildings near the runway, including Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts, according to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
Footage from the scene showed the aircraft engulfed in flames as it careened off the runway. The resulting fire spread to nearby structures, prompting a large-scale emergency response. Authorities issued shelter-in-place orders for residents within a one-mile radius due to explosion risks and air pollution concerns.
Casualties and Ongoing Search
Nine fatalities have been confirmed, though officials warn the number may climb. It remains unclear whether the count includes the three crew members presumed dead. Eleven others were hospitalized, with injuries ranging from critical to minor.
As of Tuesday evening, two employees from Grade A Auto Parts remained unaccounted for, and the number of customers present at the time of the crash is unknown. Governor Beshear noted that 16 families had reported missing relatives, complicating efforts to verify casualties.
"This is a very dangerous situation due to the amount of fuel spilled," said Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O'Neal, emphasizing the ongoing risks at the crash site.
Investigation and Airport Operations
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a preliminary investigation. Early data indicates the plane reached 175 feet before abruptly losing altitude, though the cause remains undetermined. Video evidence suggests a wing fire may have contributed to the crash.
Louisville International Airport, Kentucky's busiest hub, temporarily suspended operations but reopened runways by Wednesday. The MD-11F, a triple-engine model first introduced in 1991, was not carrying hazardous materials, officials clarified.
Next Steps
Authorities continue to assess structural damage to nearby businesses and monitor air quality. A full NTSB report is expected in the coming weeks, with investigators focusing on mechanical failure, fuel systems, and crew communications.
