Fiery UPS Cargo Plane Crash in Louisville Leaves at Least 9 Dead, 11 Injured
LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, killing at least nine people and injuring 11 others, officials confirmed. The incident, which sent thick plumes of black smoke into the sky and tore through multiple businesses near the airport, is being described as the deadliest crash in UPS Airlines history.
The plane, identified as UPS Flight 2976, was an MD-11 freighter bound for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. It crashed just after 5 p.m. local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), which is investigating the incident alongside the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).
Tragedy Strikes Louisville
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed that at least nine people had died in the crash, with the plane’s three crew members believed to be among the fatalities. Eleven others were injured, some suffering “very significant” injuries, and sixteen families have reported missing relatives. As of Wednesday morning, ten people had been transported to UofL Health, with two in critical condition at the burn center and eight others hospitalized but expected to survive.
The crash site, located near 7501 Grade Lane, was quickly cordoned off by emergency responders. Over 100 firefighters were on scene, battling intense flames fueled by the plane’s more than 38,000 gallons of fuel and nearby petroleum recycling plant tanks containing propane and oil. The fire was nearly contained by 10:30 p.m., allowing first responders to shift focus to searching for victims.
Widespread Impact and Response
The Louisville Metro Police Department issued a stay-in-place order with an initial radius of five miles, later reduced to one mile and then to 0.25 miles by Wednesday morning. Residents were urged to avoid the area and not to seek loved ones at hospitals, as medical facilities were overwhelmed. A reunification center was established at the police training academy to assist families searching for missing relatives.
UPS suspended operations at its Worldport air hub, one of the largest cargo facilities in the world, as the investigation continues. All flights to and from the airport were immediately cancelled, and numerous departures were delayed or cancelled in the aftermath. The Jefferson County School District closed all public schools the day after the crash.
Community and National Response
Local officials and emergency services worked tirelessly to manage the scene, coordinate rescue efforts, and provide support to affected families. The Louisville Metro Government set up a website for people to report and document debris, warning the public not to touch any wreckage due to safety concerns.
The crash has sent shockwaves through the Louisville community and the broader aviation industry. The incident surpasses previous UPS Airlines tragedies, including UPS Airlines Flight 6 in 2010 and UPS Airlines Flight 1354 in 2013, in terms of fatalities and destruction.
Investigation Underway
The FAA and NTSB are leading the investigation into the cause of the crash. Early reports suggest the plane exploded shortly after takeoff, but the exact cause remains unknown. Investigators will examine flight data, maintenance records, and witness accounts as they work to determine what led to the disaster.
As the community mourns the lives lost and supports those injured, officials continue to provide updates and resources for affected families. The full extent of the damage and the final death toll may not be known for several days as search and recovery operations continue.
This is a developing story. More details will be provided as they become available.