LOUISVILLE, Ky.: At least seven people were killed and several others injured after a UPS cargo plane crashed in an industrial area shortly after takeoff from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport Tuesday evening, catching fire and igniting nearby buildings.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the McDonnell Douglas MD-11, operating as UPS Flight 2976 and bound for Honolulu, crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time (2215 GMT). The plane had three crew members on board, all of whom were feared dead, according to UPS and federal officials.
Local media footage showed the plane climbing with one wing on fire before plunging to the ground, triggering a massive explosion. Thick black smoke was billowing from burning warehouses and offices near the airport. Louisville officials issued a stay-at-home order for residents within a five-mile radius as emergency crews battled the flames.
Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed multiple injuries and urged residents to stay away from the area, noting significant road closures and ongoing firefighting operations.
According to FAA records, the 34-year-old MD-11 had been in service since 1990 and joined the UPS fleet in 2006. Boeing, which inherited the model after merging with McDonnell Douglas, said it would provide technical assistance in the investigation and expressed concern for all involved.
Data from Flightradar24 showed the plane climbed to just 175 feet and reached a speed of 184 knots before descending sharply. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has launched an investigation, with a team en route to Louisville. Such probes typically take 12 to 24 months to determine the cause and issue safety recommendations.
The Louisville airport, home to UPS Worldport’s massive global logistics hub, was temporarily closed following the accident, sparking concerns about possible disruptions to major delivery networks including Amazon, Walmart and the U.S. Postal Service.
