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Seven dead as UPS cargo plane crashes in Louisville during takeoff
A UPS freight aircraft exploded shortly after departing Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, killing at least seven people and injuring 11 others, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed. The crash, which occurred around 17:15 local time (22:15 GMT), ignited a massive fire that engulfed nearby businesses and forced a shelter-in-place order for residents within a one-mile radius.
Casualties and ongoing search
The three crew members aboard the MD-11F triple-engine plane are presumed among the dead, though UPS has not yet officially confirmed fatalities. Two employees at an auto business struck by the aircraft remain unaccounted for, and authorities have not determined how many customers may have been present at the time of the crash.
Beshear described the scene as "violent" and warned of lingering hazards, including flammable materials and potential explosives. "Anyone who has seen the images and the video knows how violent this crash is," he stated during a press conference, urging the public to avoid the area.
Investigation and fire response
The National Transportation Safety Bureau (NTSB) will lead the inquiry, with investigators expected to arrive in Louisville on Wednesday. Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O'Neal labeled the crash site a "very dangerous situation" due to spilled fuel-38,000 gallons (144,000 liters) of which the plane was carrying for its 4,300-mile (6,920 km) route to Hawaii.
Crews worked through Tuesday night to contain the blaze, which triggered a shelter-in-place order initially spanning five miles before being reduced to one mile. Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey cautioned that securing the site could take "several days," delaying the investigation.
"We don't know how long it's going to take to render that scene safe for the investigation to take place."
Chief Paul Humphrey, Louisville Metro Police
Aircraft and operational context
The crashed plane, a 34-year-old MD-11F originally built by McDonnell Douglas (now Boeing), was transferred to UPS in 2006 after beginning service as a passenger jet with Thai Airways. FedEx and UPS announced plans in 2023 to phase out their MD-11 fleets over the next decade as part of modernization efforts.
Boeing issued a statement expressing readiness to "support our customer" and assist the NTSB, while UPS halted package-sorting operations at its Worldport hub-the company's largest global facility-on Tuesday night. "UPS is committed to the safety of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve," the company said.
Community impact
Louisville's deep ties to UPS-dubbed a "UPS town" by Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe-amplified the tragedy's local resonance. "They're all texting their friends, their family, trying to make sure everyone is safe," Ruhe said of residents with connections to the company.
Mayor Craig Greenberg called the crash an "incredible tragedy" and praised first responders for their efforts to control the fire and aid victims. State Senator Keturah Herron noted the airport's role as a hub for families and loved ones, while UPS described the incident as "terribly saddening" in a public statement.
Next steps
The NTSB's arrival on Wednesday will mark the beginning of a formal investigation, though officials have already ruled out heightened contamination risks from the cargo. The crash's cause remains undetermined, with Beshear declining to speculate. Airport operations resumed partially after all Tuesday evening departures were canceled.
