By Harshit, LOUISVILLE, KY, Nov. 5 6 AM EDT
A UPS cargo plane crashed while taking off from Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, killing at least seven people and injuring 11 others, officials confirmed. The tragic incident sent thick black smoke into the sky, igniting a massive fire that engulfed nearby businesses and prompted emergency shelter-in-place orders.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said the plane’s three crew members were likely among the deceased. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, exploded as it departed the airport at approximately 17:15 local time (22:15 GMT), starting a fire fueled by the plane’s 38,000 gallons (144,000 liters) of aviation fuel.
“Anyone who has seen the images and the video knows how violent this crash is,” Beshear said during a press conference. “There are still dangerous things that are flammable, that are potentially explosive.”
Casualties and Injuries
The crash claimed at least seven lives, including the plane’s crew, and left 11 others injured. Officials warned that victims suffered “very significant” injuries and that the death toll could rise. Two employees of a nearby auto business struck by the aircraft remained unaccounted for Tuesday evening, and authorities have not confirmed how many customers were inside the building at the time.
UPS released a statement confirming three crew members were on board but said it had not yet verified injuries or fatalities.
Chaos at the Crash Site
The MD-11F, a triple-engine cargo jet first introduced 34 years ago with Thai Airways and later transferred to UPS in 2006, exploded on the runway and collided with multiple businesses, including a petroleum recycling company. Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O’Neal described the scene as “a very dangerous situation” due to the extensive fuel spill.
Initially, a five-mile radius shelter-in-place order was issued over fears of further explosions and air pollution, but this was later reduced to one mile as firefighters worked to contain the blaze. The airport cancelled all departing flights for the evening.
Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey said the crash site would remain “an ongoing active scene for the next several days” and that it was unclear how long it would take to make the area safe for investigation.
Investigation Underway
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the crash. Officials stressed it was too early to determine the cause, although the plane’s fuel load contributed to the massive blaze. The NTSB’s investigative team is expected to arrive in Louisville on Wednesday to begin examining the wreckage.
Boeing, which acquired McDonnell Douglas in 1997, expressed concern for the victims and said it would provide technical assistance to investigators.
Impact on the Community
Louisville is home to UPS Worldport, the company’s largest air cargo hub, where thousands of employees work daily. The city’s deep connection to UPS was underscored by Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe, who noted that nearly every resident knows someone employed by the company.
UPS temporarily halted package sorting operations at Worldport in response to the tragedy. In a statement, the company said:
“UPS is committed to the safety of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve. This is particularly true in Louisville, home to our airline and thousands of UPSers.”
Mayor Craig Greenberg called the crash an “incredible tragedy that our community will never forget” and praised first responders for their swift actions. State Senator Keturah Herron also highlighted the emotional impact, emphasizing that many residents frequently see loved ones pass through the airport.
Aircraft and Fleet Background
The MD-11F aircraft involved in the crash first served as a passenger jet for Thai Airways before joining UPS’s cargo fleet in 2006. Both UPS and FedEx have announced plans to retire their MD-11 fleets over the next decade as part of modernization efforts.
The flight was scheduled for a long-haul journey of approximately 4,300 miles (6,920 km) to Hawaii. While cargo details have not been disclosed, officials stated the aircraft was not carrying hazardous materials that could increase contamination risk.
Local Response and Ongoing Recovery
Emergency crews, including firefighters and police, have been working through the night to secure the crash site and extinguish the fire. Authorities continue to advise residents to avoid the area due to remaining explosive and flammable materials.
The tragedy has sent shockwaves through Louisville, a city closely tied to UPS operations. Residents and officials are grappling with the human toll while first responders continue efforts to contain hazards and assist survivors.