A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday, igniting a massive fire that prompted the mobilization of numerous emergency units and led authorities to issue a shelter-in-place order for nearby areas.
The aircraft, designated as UPS Flight 2976, was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 en route to Honolulu, Hawaii, carrying fuel. It went down around 5:15 p.m. local time shortly after departing from the airport, as reported by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
The FAA confirmed that the plane, built in 1991, will be the subject of a joint investigation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), which will lead the inquiry.
"The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was headed to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu. Both the FAA and NTSB will be investigating the crash," the FAA stated in an official release on its X account.
According to CNN, there were three crew members on board, although the company has not yet verified if there are any casualties or injuries. In a statement, UPS mentioned, "At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries or casualties. The safety of our people is our top priority, and we are fully cooperating with the authorities."
Images shared by CNN affiliate WAVE depicted a towering column of black smoke rising from the industrial area near the airport, as firefighters struggled to control the flames.
The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) confirmed that there were injuries reported and urged the public to avoid the area around Fern Valley Road and Grade Lane, which will remain closed indefinitely.
Due to the scale of the fire and the presence of hazardous materials, local authorities have extended a shelter-in-place order to all zones north of the airport up to the Ohio River.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that first responders are on the scene and appealed to the public to stay calm. "We are aware of the reported crash near Louisville International Airport. Emergency teams are on site. Please pray for the pilots, crew, and all those affected," he posted on X.
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, home to Worldport, serves as UPS's global logistics hub, where over 12,000 employees handle approximately two million packages daily, according to company data.
Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the incident, and the NTSB stated that updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.
Crash Investigation and Safety Concerns
What was the destination of the UPS cargo plane?
The UPS cargo plane was heading to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu, Hawaii.
How many crew members were on board the plane?
There were three crew members on board the UPS cargo plane.
What actions did local authorities take in response to the crash?
Local authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for areas north of the airport due to the fire's magnitude and the presence of hazardous materials.
Who is leading the investigation into the crash?
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, in collaboration with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).