Key Takeaways
- A UPS MD-11 cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville airport
- Injuries have been reported; three crew members were on board
- The airfield remains closed, causing potential delivery disruptions
- The 34-year-old aircraft erupted in a massive fireball upon impact
A UPS cargo plane carrying three crew members crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in a massive fireball and reported injuries. The airfield has been closed indefinitely as emergency crews respond to the incident that occurred around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
Dramatic Crash Footage Shows Fireball
Television channel WLKY captured dramatic video of the crash as it happened, showing the aircraft erupting in a huge fireball upon impact. A government source confirmed the plane appeared to be on fire as it went down the runway before exploding.
“UPS Flight 2976 crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday, Nov. 4, after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky,” the Federal Aviation Administration stated.
Airport Closure and Response
The Louisville airport confirmed the airfield was closed following the incident. Louisville Metro Police Department reported responding to the plane crash and confirmed injuries had been reported.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear expressed concern on social media platform X: “Kentucky, we are aware of a reported plane crash near Louisville International Airport. First responders are onsite, and we will share more information as available. Please pray for the pilots, crew and everyone affected.”
Aircraft Details and Potential Impact
The crashed aircraft was a 34-year-old MD-11 freighter that began operations with UPS in 2006. According to FlightRadar24, the plane had flown from Louisville to Baltimore earlier on Tuesday before returning to Louisville.
The incident occurred at UPS Worldport, the delivery giant’s global air cargo hub and largest package handling facility worldwide. The crash is expected to disrupt deliveries for UPS and its major customers including Amazon and the United States Postal Service.
As night fell, live aerial footage showed flames from ground fires spreading across nearly a mile. UPS has yet to confirm specific injuries or casualties from the accident involving its MD-11 aircraft.
