A devastating plane crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (SDF) on Tuesday evening has left at least seven people dead and 11 others injured after a UPS cargo plane exploded shortly after takeoff.
Authorities say the crash occurred around 5:15 p.m. as the MD-11 aircraft, bound for Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport, went down moments after leaving the runway.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) confirmed that the plane was fully loaded with approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel for the long trans-Pacific flight, which fueled a massive blaze and sent thick plumes of black smoke billowing across the city.
The fire spread quickly, engulfing nearby buildings, including a recycling facility, and forcing emergency responders to battle flames for hours before finally extinguishing them around 11 p.m.
Governor Andy Beshear said the number of casualties could rise as search efforts continue, with two employees from a nearby auto shop still unaccounted for. “This is a heartbreaking tragedy for Louisville,” Beshear said during a late-night briefing. “Our first priority remains rescuing and accounting for everyone in the affected area.”
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed that at least four of the initial victims were not on the plane. UPS officials stated that three crewmembers were aboard the aircraft, but their conditions have not yet been publicly confirmed.
Emergency responders from more than a dozen agencies remain on the scene, conducting door-to-door searches to ensure residents are safe and accounted for. The Louisville Fire Department reported that, while most of the flames have been contained, hazardous materials in nearby facilities have complicated recovery efforts.
In response to the disaster, Louisville International Airport has temporarily closed all airfield operations and suspended TSA screening. UPS Worldport, the company’s primary global air hub, has also halted operations, canceling Next Day Air sort and advising employees not to report for work.
The crash has disrupted power for around 290 homes and gas service for more than 90 customers, according to LG&E. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken charge of the investigation to determine what caused the 34-year-old MD-11 aircraft to crash shortly after takeoff.
Source: WLKY