At least seven people are dead and eleven injured after a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday evening, officials confirmed. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the incident as a “catastrophic crash” and warned the death toll is expected to rise.
UPS Flight 2976, carrying three crew members, crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time as it departed for Honolulu, Hawaii. The aircraft involved was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11. Video footage from the scene showed flames on the plane’s left wing and a trail of smoke before the aircraft lifted briefly off the ground, then crashed and exploded in a massive fireball.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed at least four people were killed on the ground. The status of the three crew members aboard the aircraft remains unknown, though officials expressed deep concern given the severity of the impact.
The plane struck two businesses: Kentucky Petroleum Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts. The auto parts business has accounted for all employees except two, but officials do not know how many customers or other individuals may have been on site at the time. Governor Beshear stated that because of the nature of these facilities, it may be some time before authorities can account for everyone or confirm no one else was on the grounds.
The freight plane touched off secondary explosions at the petroleum recycling facility. Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill explained that storage tanks containing propane and oil ruptured, causing what sounded like explosions, though some were actually relief valves releasing pressure as designed. More than 100 firefighters responded to the crash and battled hot spots throughout Tuesday night. O’Neill noted the fire was almost entirely contained by late evening.
Louisville Metro Emergency Services Director Edward Meiman said authorities went door to door ensuring businesses and facilities had everyone accounted for and evacuated the immediate area. Several explosions occurred after the crash, he confirmed.
A shelter in place order was initially issued for a five mile radius but was later reduced to one mile around the crash site. Meiman said the fire was so intense it was creating its own atmosphere.
The crash occurred three miles south of the airfield. All arriving and departing flights at Louisville airport were temporarily suspended Tuesday evening. The airport was expected to reopen Wednesday morning.
Louisville is home to UPS Worldport, which the company describes as its largest package handling facility in the world. The 5.2 million square foot facility processes more than 400,000 packages an hour and is home to 20,000 UPS workers and 300 daily flights. UPS noted it had halted package sorting operations at the facility following the crash.
UPS is the biggest employer in the Louisville area, with around 25,000 people working for the company there. Louisville Metro Councilwoman Betsy Ruhe, whose district includes the crash site, said during a news conference that Louisville is a UPS town where everyone knows somebody who works at the company. She noted many employees were texting friends and family trying to ensure everyone’s safety, adding that some messages would likely go unanswered.
UPS released a statement saying the company was terribly saddened by the accident and that its heartfelt thoughts are with everyone involved. The statement emphasized UPS’s commitment to the safety of employees, customers, and the communities it serves, particularly in Louisville.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced they will investigate the incident. The NTSB said it was sending a team to the crash site.
United States Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy called the images from Kentucky heartbreaking and asked people to join him in prayer for the Louisville community and flight crew. Senator Mitch McConnell said he and his team were monitoring the situation and thanked first responders on the scene.
Governor Beshear asked Kentuckians to pray for those affected and to support those who may be concerned about their loved ones. He acknowledged that families would be waiting and wondering for some time, promising officials would provide information as quickly as possible.
Louisville Police Chief Paul Humphrey said he expected the area to remain an active scene for the next several days. The Louisville Metro Police Department opened its training academy for victim reunification services.
