LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A UPS cargo plane crashed on Tuesday just after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, igniting a massive fire and tragically claiming the lives of at least seven people.
The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m. local time when the plane's left wing caught fire. The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft was leaving for Honolulu when it encountered problems and ultimately crashed just a few miles from the city's downtown.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear announced that 11 other individuals suffered serious injuries, with emergency responders working diligently to assess and assist those affected.
Most of the deceased were found at the crash site; however, four victims were not onboard the aircraft. Louisiville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill confirmed that damage extended over almost an entire city block due to the fire.
A Trail of Flames
Eyewitness reports indicated that flames erupted from the plane's left wing as it attempted to leave the runway, subsequently leading to a fireball that was captured on numerous mobile devices. Video footage displayed the aircraft lifting briefly before crashing down explosively.
According to O’Neill, the fire's impact was extensive enough to prompt an immediate shutdown of the airport's operations, with plans to remain closed until the following morning.
Company Response
In a brief statement, UPS expressed its condolences and commitment to cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation. Packaging sorting operations at the hub, which is known for handling thousands of packages daily, were immediately suspended.
Aviation expert Pablo Rojas explained that the aircraft's left-side fire likely hindered its ability to ascend, eventually leading to the explosion. The presence of a significant amount of fuel exacerbated the problem, making the situation exceedingly precarious.
Although the precise circumstances of the pilot's awareness during the takeoff are uncertain, Rojas suggested that attempting to abort takeoff at that point could have posed an even greater risk.
The investigation is still unfolding, with aviation authorities examining the crash site and determining further preventative measures to enhance the safety of cargo flights.
