A Cuban couple driving near Louisville's airport in Kentucky on Tuesday found themselves at the center of a dramatic event when a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff. The incident sparked a massive fire and a thick column of black smoke that could be seen for miles.
The footage was shared on Instagram by Telemundo 51 journalist Alexis Boentes and quickly went viral. In the video, the couple's panic is palpable as they witness the crash unfold just a few meters away.
"Oh, my God! Back up, back up!" the woman exclaims, urging the driver to steer clear of the disaster. "What the heck is this?" the man responds, clearly shocked by the unfolding catastrophe.
Other vehicles around them also scrambled to move away as the fire consumed what appeared to be the structure where the plane crashed. The video, captured from inside their car, shows the dense smoke quickly rising and filling the sky.
Local witnesses described the explosion as so powerful that it rattled windows in nearby neighborhoods. In the comments section of the social media post, another Cuban mentioned her family lived close to the airport, stating, "The fire spread to a nearby auto shop... There are reports of injuries."
The UPS Flight 2976 Incident
According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the cargo plane, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11, went down around 5:15 pm local time, shortly after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. The flight was en route to Honolulu, Hawaii, carrying fuel and other hazardous materials.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation, with the FAA assisting in the technical analysis of the aircraft, which was manufactured in 1991. While the exact number of casualties remains unconfirmed, local emergency sources reported several injuries.
In a statement, UPS emphasized that the "safety of their people is their priority" and stated that they are fully cooperating with authorities. "At this time, we have not confirmed any injuries or fatalities," the company added.
Emergency Responses and Community Impact
The crash ignited a fire that engulfed part of an industrial area near the airport, with witnesses reporting large flames and columns of black smoke, accompanied by multiple explosions.
Louisville authorities issued a shelter-in-place order for residents in several neighborhoods north of the airport extending to the Ohio River. Journalist Alexis Boentes noted that officials urged residents to stay indoors within a five-mile radius of the airport due to the extensive fire activity and debris field.
Governor Andy Beshear of Kentucky urged calm, confirming that emergency teams acted swiftly to control the blaze and assist those affected. "We are aware of the reported accident near Louisville International Airport. Emergency crews are on site. Please pray for the pilots, crew, and all those affected," he wrote on X.
The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) announced that Fern Valley Road and Grade Lane would remain closed indefinitely as investigation and cleanup efforts continue.
Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, known for being the global logistics hub for UPS Worldport, processes over two million packages daily and employs around 12,000 people. The crash has left the Louisville community on edge as authorities work to determine the cause of this aerial disaster.
Key Questions on the Kentucky Plane Crash
What caused the UPS cargo plane to crash in Kentucky?
The cause of the accident is currently under investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).
Were there any injuries reported from the plane crash?
Local emergency sources have reported several injuries, but the exact number of casualties has not been officially confirmed.
How has the community of Louisville been affected by the crash?
The crash has caused significant concern in the Louisville community, prompting shelter-in-place orders and road closures as authorities manage the aftermath and investigate the incident.