In brief
On Tuesday, a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, leading to the deaths of at least seven people and injuries to eleven others. The incident involved a large-scale explosion that engulfed nearby businesses, prompting a shelter-in-place order. Rescue operations are ongoing as the National Transportation Safety Bureau prepares to investigate the crash.
Seven people were killed when a UPS cargo plane crashed while taking off from an airport in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday evening, the state's governor said.
At least 11 other people were injured when the freight plane exploded as it departed Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport at around 17:15 local time (22:15 GMT), sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said the plane's three crew members were likely to be among the dead, adding that, 'Anyone who has seen the images and the video knows how violent this crash is.'
Officials warned that people suffered 'very significant' injuries in the incident and the death toll could rise.
UPS flight 2976 bound for Honolulu, Hawaii was carrying 38,000 gallons (144,000 litres) of fuel when it skidded off the runway in Louisville and struck nearby buildings.
The explosion engulfed at least two nearby businesses, including a petroleum recycling company. A shelter-in-place order was initially issued for within five miles of the airport due to concerns of further explosions and air pollution, but was later reduced to just one mile.
All departing flights for Tuesday evening were cancelled, the airport said in a statement on X.
Louisville Fire Dept Chief Brian O'Neill said the fire has almost entirely been contained, with crews still deployed at the crash site.
'When you have such a large scale incident and fire that spread over such a massive area, we have to use hundreds of personnel to surround it, contain it, and then slowly bring it in,' O'Neill said.
At a press conference, Beshear warned people not to go to the crash site, saying that, 'There are still dangerous things that are flammable, that are potentially explosive.'
The NTSB's investigative team is scheduled to arrive in Kentucky on Wednesday and will lead the investigation into the cause of the incident.
Louisville is home to UPS Worldport, a global hub for the delivery firm's air cargo operations and its largest package handling facility in the world. The tragedy has affected the community deeply, with many residents connected to UPS and following the unfolding situation closely.
In a statement, UPS expressed their sorrow over the incident, affirming their commitment to the safety of their employees and the community while offering support to those affected.
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