Tragic UPS Plane Crash in Louisville Claims 7 Lives

Sat Dec 06 2025 22:32:35 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded while taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in at least seven fatalities and multiple injuries.

On Tuesday evening, a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from its Worldport hub in Louisville, Kentucky, leading to a devastating explosion that left at least 7 people dead and 11 injured. Witnesses described terrifying scenes as the plane struggled to ascend before ultimately crashing back down. As news of the tragedy spread, local officials have begun to assess the impact and initiate investigations into the cause of the crash. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear has indicated a likelihood of the death toll rising.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded in a massive fireball while taking off from the company’s global aviation hub in Louisville, Kentucky, killing at least seven people and injuring 11, authorities said.

The plane crashed around 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday as it was departing for Honolulu from UPS Worldport at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.

Footage captured the disaster, showing flames erupting from the plane’s left wing before it lifted briefly off the ground and subsequently crashed, resulting in a large explosion. Debris from a nearby structure also scattered across the area.

The death toll reportedly included four individuals who were not on the plane, as confirmed by local officials. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear indicated that the casualty figures might continue to rise.

“Anyone who has seen the video knows how violent this crash was,” stated Beshear, who also mentioned some injuries sustained by survivors were severe.

Authorities have not confirmed the condition of the three crew members aboard the aging McDonnell Douglas MD-11.

UPS announced that operations at its crucial package handling facility in Louisville were suspended indefinitely following the crash, which is a major hub for the company that handles 300 flights a day and processes over 400,000 packages hourly.

Louisville Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe remarked on the extensive ties to community members working at UPS, causing concern and anxiety among their friends and families.

As investigations are underway, led by the National Transportation Safety Board, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg anticipates a thorough inquiry into the disaster.

Pablo Rojas, an aviation attorney, noted that the aircraft appeared to struggle as it ascended amid active flames near one of its engines, resulting in a catastrophic explosion due to the large amount of fuel carried on board.

Eyewitness accounts describe the scene as catastrophic, with Eric Richardson searching for information regarding his girlfriend, who was nearby when the explosion occurred.

The local community is rallying together in the wake of this tragedy, as the city comes to terms with the profound impact of this incident.