A UPS cargo plane crashed near Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday, resulting in at least seven fatalities and significant emergency response efforts. The aircraft, designated flight 2976, was en route to Honolulu and had three crew members on board when it crashed shortly after takeoff at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time.
Witnesses reported seeing a fireball and a large plume of smoke following the incident. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed in a social media post that the death toll could increase, as first responders are actively working at the crash site to extinguish fires and conduct investigations. While the specific status of the crew remains unclear, officials noted that the aircraft carried about 38,000 gallons of fuel, presenting a hazardous situation for emergency responders.
The crash occurred less than a minute after takeoff from Runway 17R, approximately three miles south of the airport. Initial reports indicated that two businesses were impacted by the crash, with at least two employees from a local auto shop unaccounted for. A shelter-in-place order was initially issued for areas north of the airport but has since been reduced to a one-mile radius.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has established a temporary flight restriction within a five-mile radius of the airport, permitting only relief aircraft operations until 7 a.m. on Wednesday. The MD-11 aircraft involved, tail number N259UP, is a 34-year-old tri-engine jet that was acquired by UPS in 2006.
This incident marks the fourth major fatal airline crash globally in 2023. The situation remains fluid, and updates will be provided as more information becomes available.