Seven dead, several injured as UPS cargo plane crashes in Louisville, Kentucky

At least seven people have been confirmed dead after a UPS cargo aircraft crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday evening.

The tragic incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. local time (10:15 p.m. GMT) when the MD-11F cargo plane burst into flames moments after takeoff, sending massive plumes of black smoke billowing across the city.

Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the fatalities, noting that the three crew members onboard were likely among the dead.

Eleven other persons reportedly sustained serious injuries, while two workers at a nearby auto repair shop struck by the aircraft remain missing.

Authorities said the blaze that followed the crash was fueled by the nearly 38,000 gallons (144,000 liters) of jet fuel the plane was carrying on its 4,300-mile journey to Hawaii.

The explosion engulfed several nearby businesses, including a petroleum recycling facility, triggering a brief citywide shelter-in-place order within a five-mile radius, later reduced to one mile as emergency crews battled to contain the inferno.

Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O’Neal described the scene as “extremely dangerous,” citing the volume of spilled fuel and continuing fire hazards.

“Our teams are working tirelessly to cool down the wreckage and prevent further explosions,” he said.

All outgoing flights from the airport were grounded Tuesday night, with airport authorities citing safety concerns and ongoing recovery operations.

Governor Beshear urged residents to stay clear of the crash zone, warning of residual hazards. “Anyone who has seen the images knows how violent this crash was. There are still flammable materials and potential explosives on site,” he said.

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is expected to arrive in Louisville on Wednesday to begin a full investigation into the cause of the crash.

Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey said the site would remain an active scene for several days as investigators work to secure and analyze the wreckage.

The aircraft, a 34-year-old McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, first flew with Thai Airways in 1990 before joining the UPS fleet in 2006.

Boeing, which absorbed McDonnell Douglas in 1997, said it was coordinating with investigators and would provide technical support.

UPS, in a statement, said it was “deeply saddened” by the tragedy. “Our thoughts are with the families of those affected. We are committed to supporting local authorities and ensuring the safety of our employees and community,” the company said.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg described the crash as “an unimaginable tragedy,” adding that the city was grateful to first responders who “acted heroically to contain the fire and save lives.”

The crash has shaken Louisville, home to UPS’s Worldport, the company’s largest global air hub, employing thousands of residents.

City council member Betsy Ruhe remarked that the incident “hit close to home,” noting that nearly every family in the community has someone connected to the company.

Emergency crews continued recovery and cleanup operations late into the night as families and UPS employees awaited further updates.