At least eleven people have been confirmed dead and dozens injured after a UPS cargo plane crashed and caught fire at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Wednesday evening.
The MD-11 aircraft, reportedly carrying about 280,000 gallons of fuel, burst into a massive fireball while attempting to take off for Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu.
Footage from the scene captured the plane’s left wing catching fire moments before the crash, followed by a violent explosion that sent thick black smoke billowing into the air. The aircraft briefly lifted off before slamming back down and exploding on impact, scattering debris across the runway and nearby industrial buildings.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed on Thursday that 11 people have died, with the toll possibly rising as several individuals remain missing. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy,” he said, noting that victim identification is ongoing due to the extent of the damage. Three victims were on board the plane, while the remaining casualties were on the ground.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg called the incident “extremely concerning,” emphasizing the danger posed by the massive quantity of fuel onboard. “My understanding is that there were about 280,000 gallons of fuel on the plane — that’s a major hazard in so many ways,” he told WLKY-TV.
According to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), preliminary investigations suggest the aircraft caught fire during its takeoff roll, and one of its engines may have detached before the explosion. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed the aircraft type and said it is working with the NTSB on a joint investigation.
The fire burned for several hours, prompting authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for residents within a five-mile radius due to air quality concerns. The order was later reduced to one mile after firefighters managed to bring the flames under control.
