UPS cargo plane crash: A tragic incident shook Kentucky on Tuesday evening when a UPS cargo aircraft crashed shortly after taking off from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The accident happened around 5:15 p.m. local time, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Authorities have confirmed at least nine deaths, and officials fear the number may rise as rescue and recovery efforts continue.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, in an emotional statement, urged people to keep the affected families in their prayers. He mentioned being “fairly confident” that the death toll could increase by at least one more. He also noted that several people on the ground were injured when the plane collided with two nearby business structures in a less populated industrial area.
The aircraft involved was an MD-11F cargo plane, carrying approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel for what was expected to be a long-distance flight to Honolulu. The reason behind the crash remains unknown, and officials have not speculated about mechanical failure, crew issues, or weather conditions. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has dispatched a specialized investigation team to examine the wreckage and determine the cause.
Following the crash, authorities issued shelter-in-place instructions for nearby businesses and residents due to the heavy smoke and potential chemical exposure from surrounding industrial facilities. Governor Beshear also declared a state of emergency to help coordinate rescue operations and mobilize support resources more rapidly.
UPS expressed deep sorrow in a public statement, emphasizing that the company prioritizes safety and stands with the families affected. The crash site is close to the company’s Worldport hub, one of the largest package processing centers in the world.
As cleanup and investigation continue, the community of Louisville is grieving a tragic loss while awaiting answers to how this devastating accident occurred.
