United States: A devastating accident occurred on Tuesday evening when a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, bound for Honolulu, Hawaii, went down around 5:15 pm local time, resulting in a massive fire and sending thick black smoke billowing over the area.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that at least seven people lost their lives in the crash, including the three crew members on board, and 11 others were injured. The governor warned that the numbers could rise, describing some of the injuries as “very significant.” Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg said emergency responders were still battling the blaze and attending to “multiple injuries.”
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash. Video footage from local broadcaster WLKY showed the aircraft’s left engine on fire as it attempted to lift off, and aerial views captured a trail of debris near the crash site.
The crash has disrupted UPS operations, with the company confirming that package sorting operations at the Louisville hub have been halted. UPS operates nearly 2,000 flights daily to over 200 countries with a fleet of 516 aircraft, and Louisville serves as its primary US hub. The company has expressed its deepest condolences to those affected by the accident.
