Seven Dead After UPS Cargo Plane Crashes and Bursts Into Flames at Louisville Airport
LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY — At least seven people have been confirmed dead after a UPS cargo plane crashed and caught fire during takeoff at Louisville International Airport on Tuesday evening, triggering a massive emergency response and shutting down all airport operations.
Officials said UPS Flight 2976 skidded off the runway shortly after 5:15 p.m. local time, striking nearby businesses before exploding into flames. The plane was en route to Hawaii and carrying more than 38,000 gallons of jet fuel at the time of the crash.
“Kentucky Petroleum Recycling was struck pretty directly,” said Governor Andy Beshear, adding that a second business, Grade A Auto Parts, was also damaged. “We are working closely with first responders to assess the full extent of the tragedy.”
Flames Engulfed Multiple Buildings Near the Runway
Witnesses reported seeing the aircraft already engulfed in flames as it veered off the runway and crashed into a cluster of buildings adjacent to the airport’s industrial zone.
Unverified footage circulating online shows a massive fireball and thick black smoke rising into the air moments after impact.
Emergency crews rushed to contain the inferno, which spread quickly through surrounding structures.
Residents within a five-mile radius were initially told to shelter in place amid concerns about explosions and air contamination from burning fuel. That zone was later reduced to one mile as the fire came under control.
Casualties and Search Efforts Continue
Authorities confirmed seven fatalities, though they warned that number could rise as recovery operations continue.
It remains unclear whether the confirmed victims include the three crew members believed to have been aboard the aircraft. Eleven others were hospitalized with injuries ranging from burns to smoke inhalation, according to Louisville Metro Fire.
Two employees at Grade A Auto Parts were still unaccounted for late Tuesday, and investigators say it’s unknown how many customers were inside when the plane hit the building.
“We are still conducting searches through the affected area,” said Fire Chief Brian O’Neal, describing the scene as “very dangerous” due to leaking fuel and unstable debris.
What Caused the Crash?
Investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) are leading the probe into what caused the plane to lose control during takeoff.
Officials emphasized that it’s too early to determine the exact cause, though the large fuel load is believed to have intensified the post-crash fire. The aircraft, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, has been in commercial service for more than three decades and was commonly used for long-haul cargo flights.
UPS said it is cooperating fully with investigators and expressed condolences to the victims and their families.
Our thoughts are with the victims and first responders affected by this tragedy. Share your reactions and support messages for the Louisville community at ChicagoMusicGuide.com, where we continue to cover stories that impact lives far beyond the stage.