UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Louisville Kills Seven

Tragic Incident During Takeoff

Seven people lost their lives when a UPS cargo plane crashed while taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening. The crash also left at least 11 others injured, according to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear. Thick black smoke was seen billowing into the sky following the explosion around 17:15 local time (22:15 GMT).

Crew Members Among the Victims

Governor Beshear stated that the aircraft’s three crew members were likely among the deceased. “Anyone who has seen the images and the video knows how violent this crash is,” he added. Officials have cautioned that injuries sustained were severe, and the death toll may rise as investigations continue.

Flight Details and Impact

UPS Flight 2976, en route to Honolulu, Hawaii, carried approximately 38,000 gallons (144,000 liters) of fuel when it veered off the runway and collided with nearby structures. The explosion affected at least two local businesses, including a petroleum recycling facility. Initially, a shelter-in-place order was issued for residents within five miles of the airport due to potential further explosions and air pollution, but this was later scaled back to one mile. All scheduled departing flights for the evening were canceled.

Emergency Response Efforts

Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O’Neill confirmed that the fire has largely been contained, though crews remain on site. “When you have such a large-scale incident and fire that spread over such a massive area, we have to use hundreds of personnel to surround it, contain it, and then slowly bring it in,” O’Neill explained. He emphasized the careful, grid-by-grid search to locate any additional victims.

Governor Beshear urged the public to avoid the crash site, warning of remaining flammable and potentially explosive materials. He noted that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation and that the team is expected to arrive in Kentucky on Wednesday.

Investigation and Safety Concerns

Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey said the crash site will remain an active scene for several days. “We don’t know how long it’s going to take to render that scene safe for the investigation to take place,” he stated.

Aircraft Information

The plane involved was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, a three-engine jet originally built 34 years ago for Thai Airways before being transferred to UPS in 2006. MD-11s are slightly smaller than Boeing 747s, with a length of 61 meters and a wingspan of 52 meters. Both FedEx and UPS have announced plans to retire MD-11s over the next decade to modernize their fleets. Boeing expressed concern for those affected and pledged technical support to the NTSB.

Local Community and UPS Response

Louisville is home to UPS Worldport, the company’s largest air cargo hub. Louisville Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe highlighted the city’s close connection to UPS, describing it as a “UPS town.” UPS announced it would halt package sorting operations at Worldport on Tuesday night and expressed deep sorrow for the victims. State Senator Keturah Herron and Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg emphasized the personal impact of the tragedy and praised the efforts of first responders.

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Sorit Chaudhary

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