Tragic UPS Plane Crash in Louisville Leaves Seven Dead and Eleven Injured

Wed Nov 05 2025 12:18:46 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A UPS cargo aircraft crashed during takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries. The plane was bound for Honolulu when it encountered catastrophic failure shortly after departure.

On Tuesday evening, a UPS cargo plane tragically crashed and exploded shortly after takeoff from Louisville, Kentucky, killing at least seven individuals and injuring eleven more. The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. as the aircraft made its ascent towards Honolulu. Eyewitness accounts and footage revealed a series of fireballs erupting from the aircraft, illustrating the severity of the crash. Emergency services are responding, and investigations are being led by the National Transportation Safety Board. The local community and government officials express their grief and solidarity amid the developing tragedy.

LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A UPS cargo plane crashed and erupted in flames during takeoff at the UPS Worldport facility in Louisville, Kentucky, killing at least seven people and injuring eleven others, authorities report.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft experienced catastrophic failure at around 5:15 p.m. while departing for Honolulu. Eyewitness video captured a horrifying scene, with flames engulfing the plane’s left wing before it ultimately exploded in a massive fireball, sending debris scattering across the vicinity, including damaging nearby structures.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated that the death toll could rise as emergency services continue their efforts. Among the deceased, four were not onboard the aircraft, highlighting the crash's far-reaching impact. The eleven injured included individuals with serious injuries, prompting urgent medical response.

The images from this crash are devastating and violent, emphasized Beshear. He also noted that the three crew members aboard the plane are currently unaccounted for.

As the state mourns, local government officials expressed deep concern for the impacted families. Louisvile Metro Council member Betsy Ruhe mentioned, Everybody knows someone who works at UPS, and sadly, some of those texts are probably going to go unanswered.

In response to the tragic event, UPS suspended operations at their facility, which is the largest package handling hub in the world, processing approximately 400,000 packages each hour across 300 daily flights. The airport is expected to remain closed for security assessments and investigations led by the National Transportation Safety Board.

Pablo Rojas, an aviation attorney, speculated on the crash, remarking that the blazing fire near one of the engines would have likely resulted in a catastrophic explosion given the amount of fuel on board. Local business owners and witnesses described the scene as reminiscent of a war zone, sharing their terror as they felt shockwaves from the explosion.

Louisville residents are rallying around each other, hoping for the best as they await news of missing loved ones and reflect on the devastation that has befallen their community.