Tragedy Strikes as UPS Cargo Plane Crashes Near Louisville Airport
It was a devastating evening in Louisville, Kentucky, when a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from the Muhammad Ali International Airport. The incident happened around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, November 4, sending shockwaves through the community as flames and thick black smoke filled the sky.
Officials confirmed that the aircraft involved was UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, bound for Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. The plane reportedly carried over 200,000 pounds of fuel, which led to a massive fireball upon impact. Tragically, at least three people have been confirmed dead, with 11 others injured, and several still unaccounted for.
According to Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear, the plane came down near the Kentucky Petroleum Recycling facility, just outside the airport grounds, causing a catastrophic explosion. Two employees from a nearby business, Grade A Auto Parts, were also reported missing following the crash. A shelter-in-place order was immediately issued for nearby neighborhoods, stretching from the Outer Loop northward to the Ohio River, as authorities worked to contain the fire and manage toxic smoke in the air. Residents were advised to turn off any air intake systems and stay indoors until further notice.
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Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg described the event as “an incredible tragedy that our community will never forget.” He expressed gratitude toward the first responders who rushed to the scene to battle the flames and assist potential victims. Greenberg also confirmed that the plane was carrying no hazardous cargo, which helped prevent further environmental damage.
At the time of the crash, all incoming and outgoing flights at the airport were suspended, and the airfield was temporarily closed. UPS confirmed that three crew members were on board, but the company has not yet released additional details pending the ongoing investigation. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will jointly investigate the incident, with the NTSB taking the lead.
Witnesses living near the airport described hearing multiple explosions and seeing enormous plumes of smoke rising into the sky. One resident said the explosions “felt like shockwaves” and that the air smelled heavily of fuel.
Governor Beshear urged everyone to keep the victims and their families in their thoughts, saying, “We’ve always banded together, and we will again. Let’s make sure we support these families with everything we have.”
As of now, emergency crews continue to work at the crash site, and the area remains restricted. This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of how quickly life can change—and how courageously communities come together in the face of disaster.
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