In brief
A UPS cargo plane crashed at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday, claiming the lives of at least seven people and injuring 11 others. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, which was en route to Honolulu, caught fire shortly after takeoff. Emergency responders reported that four victims were on the ground when the plane exploded. The crash has prompted a halt to cargo operations and an ongoing investigation by the National Transportation Safety Board.
LOUISVILLE, Ky. (AP) — A tragic accident occurred at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday when a UPS cargo plane crashed while taking off, resulting in at least seven fatalities and injuring 11 others.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, built in 1991, was departing for Honolulu when flames erupted from its left wing around 5:15 p.m. Witnesses reported seeing the plane lift slightly off the ground before crashing and igniting a massive fireball. Emergency response teams quickly arrived to assess the situation, with some describing the fire as spanning nearly an entire city block.
The incident left four victims on the ground, as confirmed by Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O'Neill. Governor Andy Beshear expressed condolences for the victims and stated that rescue efforts were ongoing.
A community in shock
Residents described the scene as chaotic, with many taking to their phones to capture videos of the fire and explosions. Flames engulfed parts of nearby buildings, devastating the area.
The airport was shut down following the crash, and operations were expected to remain halted until Wednesday morning. Affected UPS operations include extensive package sorting at the facilities, which normally handle around 400,000 packages an hour.
Investigation underway
UPS released a statement acknowledging the incident, affirming that the National Transportation Safety Board will oversee the investigation. They confirmed there was no hazardous cargo on behalf of the plane.
Experts have expressed concerns regarding the condition of the aircraft prior to takeoff. Aviation attorney Pablo Rojas remarked on the considerable risk posed by the large amount of fuel on the plane, likening the aircraft to a bomb due to the fire's proximity to the fuel source. He highlighted the potential difficulties a pilot may face in recognizing issues immediately before takeoff.
The Louisville area is heavily dependent on UPS's hub, and the community is now grappling with the aftereffects of this devastating incident.
