LOUISVILLE, Ky. — In a devastating incident, a UPS cargo plane crashed on Tuesday evening as it took off from the company’s global aviation hub at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, leading to a massive explosion and a subsequent fireball. Authorities have confirmed that at least seven individuals lost their lives, with eleven others injured, some of whom sustained critical injuries.
The tragic event unfolded around 5:15 PM, shortly after the flight departed on its scheduled route to Honolulu. Eyewitness footage showed flames erupting from the left wing of the aircraft before it lifted off, only to crash back to the ground and explode, scattering debris across the area, including parts of a nearby building's roof.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed his sorrow over the incident, noting the likelihood that the death toll could rise. Anyone who has witnessed the videos knows how violent this crash was, he remarked. The aircraft involved was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, which is known for its age, having been manufactured in 1991.
As investigations are set to be conducted by the National Transportation Safety Board, the airport has been shut down as a precautionary measure, with operations expected to resume by Wednesday morning. Local officials reported significant disruptions, as UPS's hub employs thousands of workers and is responsible for over 400,000 packages sorted hourly.
The explosion impacted nearby businesses, including a local petroleum recycling plant, which bore the brunt of the incident. Local resident Eric Richardson desperately sought news of his girlfriend, who was in proximity to the site during the explosion and hasn't been reachable since. Friends and families of workers at the facility have been left anxiously waiting for updates.
Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as chaotic, with large explosions heard from miles away as flames surged into the sky. The Louisville airport, known for its location close to downtown, is surrounded by residential areas and local attractions, raising concerns about broader safety implications.
Investigations will focus on understanding the crash dynamics, particularly how the plane appeared to struggle for altitude while engulfed in flames, leading experts to describe the situation as a potent risk due to the aircraft's fuel load.
As the community grapples with this tragedy, thoughts and prayers are extended to all affected by the crash.
