At least seven people have been confirmed dead after a UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff on Tuesday afternoon in Louisville, Kentucky, sparking a massive fire and striking two nearby businesses, authorities reported.
According to the Federal Aviation Administration, UPS Flight 2976, carrying three crew members, went down around 5:15 p.m. shortly after departing Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced on X Tuesday night that at least seven fatalities had been recorded, warning that the number is expected to rise. He earlier confirmed that at least 11 individuals sustained injuries.
Describing the incident as “a catastrophic crash,” Beshear said the aircraft went down just outside the airport in an area that includes a petroleum recycling facility and an auto parts company.
While the auto parts business has accounted for all but two of its employees, officials noted they are still unsure how many other people — including customers or visitors — may have been present at the time of the crash.
“Given the nature of these facilities, it may take some time before we can confirm the total number of people involved or determine if anyone else was on the grounds,” the governor added.
The FAA identified the aircraft as a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 bound for Honolulu. It crashed while departing from the West Runway.
Airport spokesperson Officer Johnathan Biven said the impact site is roughly 3 miles south of the main airfield. Videos from the scene show massive flames and thick black smoke rising into the sky. Officials estimated the aircraft was carrying approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel.
Louisville Metro Emergency Services Director Edward Meiman said crews were conducting door-to-door checks to ensure all individuals in nearby facilities had been accounted for and safely evacuated. He added that several explosions occurred after the plane went down.
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