At least 9 killed, 11 injured after UPS plane crashes near Louisville airport

UPS Cargo Plane Crashes Near Louisville Airport

A UPS cargo plane crashed near Kentucky's Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport shortly after takeoff on Tuesday. The Federal Aviation Administration reported that UPS flight 2976, en route to Honolulu with three crew members on board, went down around 5:15 p.m.

Crash Details and Immediate Aftermath

Videos showed a fireball and a large plume of smoke shortly after the crash, which occurred a few miles from the airport. The wreckage sparked a massive fire. Officials confirmed that the death toll had reached at least nine, including fatalities on the ground, with numbers expected to rise.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated on X, "First responders are on-site and working hard to extinguish the fire and continue the investigation."

During a press conference, Beshear added, "We do not, at the moment, have the status of the crew."

Crash Location and Safety Concerns

Flight tracking data from Flightradar24 indicated the plane crashed less than a minute after lifting off from Runway 17R. Louisville airport public safety officer Jonathan Biven reported the jet went down three miles south of the airfield.

Beshear said, "There was no specifically hazardous cargo on the jet," though he noted the fire remains active and the area poses hazards.

Response and Fuel Hazards

A large-scale emergency response is underway, involving local and neighboring fire and police departments. Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O'Neill reported the aircraft carried approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel, heightening the risk of the situation.

O'Neill said, "So we're talking about a very, very dangerous situation."

Investigations and firefighting efforts continue as authorities manage the aftermath of the crash.

Summary: A UPS cargo plane crashed near Louisville airport shortly after takeoff, causing at least nine fatalities and a dangerous fire fueled by a large quantity of jet fuel; emergency teams are actively responding.

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