At least seven people have died and 11 others were injured after a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, officials said. Governor Andy Beshear warned that the number of fatalities could rise as emergency crews continue to work at the scene.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft erupted into a massive fireball around 5:15 p.m. local time, igniting fires on the ground in an industrial corridor near the airport. Flames hit a recycling center and an auto parts shop, accounting for some of the casualties. Airport officials said the injured were taken to nearby hospitals, while crews continue searching the wreckage.
Beshear confirmed that three crew members were aboard the flight, which was bound for Honolulu. Early reports suggested at least three fatalities, but officials later confirmed additional deaths. Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said that four of the confirmed fatalities were not on the plane, highlighting the impact on businesses near the crash site.
Footage from local television station WLKY showed the aircraft taking off with fire visible on one wing. The plane quickly descended, striking the ground in a fireball that sent thick black smoke across the industrial area. The crash prompted the cancellation of all departing flights Tuesday night at Louisville airport.
Federal authorities said all aboard were feared dead, and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the official investigation. A UPS spokesperson confirmed the airline will cooperate fully, while Boeing, which acquired McDonnell Douglas, said it would provide technical support to the investigation.
Flightradar24 data showed that the UPS flight, which had been in service since 2006, had flown from Louisville to Baltimore earlier in the day before returning to the Kentucky hub. The aircraft climbed to about 175 feet and reached a speed of 184 knots before making a sharp descent. The flight to Honolulu typically lasts around 8.5 hours.
The MD-11 freighter involved in the crash is 34 years old. Governor Beshear said there was no hazardous cargo aboard, reducing potential chemical risks, but authorities remain cautious due to fires on the ground. Residents near the crash were asked to report debris but not to touch it for safety reasons.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for locations within five miles of the airport and later extended to cover areas north of the airport up to the Ohio River. Multiple road closures remain in effect as first responders continue firefighting and rescue operations. Louisville metro police advised the public to avoid the area until authorities declare it safe.
Mayor Greenberg described the crash as “a serious incident” and urged residents to follow safety instructions. “There are multiple injuries and the fire is still burning. Please avoid the scene,” he said in a social media post.
Videos shared on social media show an active blaze and thick smoke rising above the industrial area near the airport. Emergency responders, including police, fire, and medical teams, are coordinating efforts to secure the site, assist victims, and investigate the cause of the crash.
Governor Beshear traveled to Louisville to monitor the situation and provide support to emergency crews. He emphasized the ongoing risk and the need for caution as authorities continue their work.
The UPS plane crash in Kentucky marks one of the most serious aviation incidents in the state in recent years. Officials are urging families and the public to stay informed through official channels while the investigation proceeds.
