LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A UPS cargo plane tragically crashed on Tuesday while taking off from the Louisville airport, claiming the lives of at least seven individuals and inflicting significant injuries on numerous others.
The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. when flames erupted from the aircraft's left wing during takeoff. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, a model introduced in 1991, was destined for Honolulu from UPS Worldport at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced that “11 others sustained very significant injuries,” which may indicate serious complications. Authorities have not publicly identified the victims. Notably, four of the deceased were individuals on the ground, as reported by Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill.
A trail of destruction
Eyewitness accounts and video footage captured the shocking moments leading to the crash. Flames engulfed the left wing, followed by a massive explosion after the plane became airborne for a brief moment. This resulted in a prominent fireball lighting up the sky, with residents describing the scene as horrifying.
O’Neill stated that the fire spanned “almost an entire city block,” intensifying concerns over the impact of such incidents on surrounding communities. The crash led to the immediate closure of Louisville airport operations, with resumption expected the following morning.
UPS Responds
UPS, which manages the largest package handling facility in Louisville employing thousands and featuring a busy flight schedule, issued a brief statement acknowledging the tragic incident. The company confirmed that there was no hazardous material on board and that the National Transportation Safety Board would oversee the investigation.
UPS has suspended sorting operations at their Louisville hub, leaving many to speculate on when normal activities will resume after this devastating accident.
Aviation Expert Reacts
Aviation attorney Pablo Rojas commented on the incident, indicating that the plane’s struggle for altitude amidst a fire in proximity to one engine likely precipitated the disaster. Given the aircraft’s fuel load, the potential for an explosion was markedly increased following the onset of the fire.
Rojas suggested that even if the pilots had observed the flames prior to takeoff, aborting the flight at that advanced stage may have escalated the danger.
