A tragic accident unfolded on Tuesday evening when a UPS cargo plane crashed while taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in the confirmed deaths of at least nine individuals. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear shared this somber news, highlighting the probable loss of the three crew members aboard the aircraft.
The incident occurred around 17:15 local time (22:15 GMT) as the cargo plane was departing. The explosion that ensued sent thick plumes of black smoke into the air, impacting the surrounding area. Emergency responders reported that at least 11 additional individuals sustained significant injuries, and efforts continue to search for any other potential victims.
State of emergency declared amid ongoing search efforts
In light of the incident, Governor Beshear declared a state of emergency on Wednesday, aimed at facilitating the swift deployment of resources via emergency management and the Kentucky National Guard. Meanwhile, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced the reopening of the airport’s runway to allow flights to resume operations.
As of Tuesday evening, at least 16 families had reported loved ones unaccounted for, with two employees from a nearby automotive business still missing. The extent of injuries and the ongoing search for survivors have raised concerns about the total number of victims affected by the crash.
“Anyone who has seen the images and the video knows how violent this crash is,” Beshear remarked during a press conference. “There are still dangerous things that are flammable, that are potentially explosive.”
UPS confirmed that three crew members were on board at the time of the crash, but the company has yet to verify any casualties. Local officials indicated that the fire destroyed the aircraft, complicating their search efforts due to the large debris zone involved. A preliminary investigation is underway, although it remains too early to determine the cause of the crash.
Fire and safety concerns escalate following the crash
According to Kentucky Representative Morgan McGarvey, a team of 28 personnel from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is on-site to meticulously examine every aspect of the incident. It has been noted that the extensive fire was fueled by the 38,000 gallons (144,000 liters) of fuel the aircraft was carrying for its intended flight to Hawaii, prompting reports from witnesses describing the scene as resembling “raining oil” in Louisville.
The explosion from the crash also affected nearby businesses, including a petroleum recycling facility. A shelter-in-place order was initially issued for a five-mile radius around the airport due to concerns about further explosions and air quality; this has since been reduced to one mile as fire crews worked to mitigate the blaze.
On Tuesday evening, all departing flights were canceled, as confirmed by the airport authorities. Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O’Neal emphasized that the fuel spill created a “very dangerous situation,” necessitating a cautious approach as the firefighting efforts unfolded.
In discussions about the crash site, Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey declared it would remain an active scene for several days, as officials work to ensure the area is safe for the ongoing investigation.
The aircraft involved was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, a triple-engine cargo plane that originally entered service over three decades ago. Having first been operated by Thai Airways as a passenger jet, it was later acquired by UPS in 2006. Both FedEx and UPS have announced plans to phase out their MD-11 fleets in the coming decade as part of modernization efforts.
In response to the incident, a spokesperson for Boeing expressed their readiness to provide support and technical assistance to the NTSB, emphasizing their concern for those affected by this tragic event. UPS also expressed deep sorrow over the incident, stating that they would be suspending package sorting operations at their Worldport facility, underscoring their commitment to the safety of employees, customers, and the community in Louisville.