Tragedy in Kentucky: Cargo Plane Crash Claims 11 Lives
A tragic incident unfolded in Kentucky last night when a UPS cargo plane burst into flames, resulting in at least 11 fatalities and dozens of injuries. The MD-11 aircraft, believed to be carrying around 280,000 gallons of fuel, exploded shortly after it attempted takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, heading towards Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
The crash occurred around 5:15 pm yesterday. Footage captured the moment the plane’s left wing caught fire, with thick smoke rising into the sky. Moments later, the aircraft lifted slightly off the ground before crashing and exploding, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that 11 people had died in the incident, with expectations that the death toll might rise to 12. He also warned that a handful of individuals remained unaccounted for. Due to the extensive damage caused by the explosion, the investigation is still ongoing to identify the victims. It was reported that three individuals on board the plane lost their lives, while the others were on the ground.
Mayor Craig Greenberg expressed concern over the large amount of fuel on the plane, stating, “My understanding is that there were about 280,000 gallons of fuel on the plane, and so that is extreme reason for concern in so many different ways.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) indicated that early findings suggest the aircraft caught fire as it was preparing for takeoff, with an engine falling off. Thick, black smoke was visible for miles around the crash site, and fires on the ground continued to burn for hours afterward. Authorities issued warnings for the public within a 5-mile radius of the scene to stay indoors due to air-quality hazards. This shelter-in-place zone was later reduced to a mile across.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the aircraft involved was a UPS MD-11 cargo plane en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii. The FAA launched an investigation alongside the NTSB.
The airport released a statement saying, “Aircraft incident confirmed at SDF. At this time the airfield is closed, more details to come.”
Louisville Police Department reported that LMPD and multiple other agencies were responding to reports of a plane crash near Fern Valley and Grade Lane. They mentioned that Grade Lane would be closed indefinitely between Stooges and Crittenden, with injuries reported.
Aerial footage showed a hole blown into a factory building, a large fire spreading across an industrial area and car parks, and debris scattered on the runway.
Governor Beshear addressed the public, saying, “Kentucky, we are aware of a reported plane crash near Louisville International Airport. First responders are onsite, and we will share more information as available. Please pray for the pilots, crew and everyone affected. We will share more soon.”
The airport includes several UPS facilities within the airfield safety perimeter. UPS has been contacted for a comment.
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