LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A tragic accident occurred on Tuesday when a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in at least seven fatalities. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, which was bound for Honolulu, caught fire shortly after its left wing ignited, causing flames to erupt and the aircraft to crash mere miles from downtown Louisville.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that among the casualties, four victims were on the ground, and 11 others have suffered significant injuries as the fire spread across nearly an entire city block near the airport.
Witnesses captured shocking footage of the incident, showing flames and smoke trailing from the aircraft, which struggled to maintain altitude as it attempted takeoff. The crash created a large fireball and extensive damage, necessitating immediate emergency responses and the closure of the airport. It’s reported that package sorting operations at UPS’s largest facility have been suspended during the investigation.
The National Transportation Safety Board is set to lead the investigation, with UPS confirming that no hazardous materials were transported on the plane. The incident raises important questions regarding aviation safety and protocols, as local officials and the community grapple with this devastating event.
