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The Crash
- Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11 freighter operated by UPS, took off around 5:15 PM local time en route to Honolulu.
- Shortly after departure, the aircraft caught fire mid-air, with one wing reportedly already ablaze. It then plummeted into an industrial zone near the airport, exploding into a massive fireball.
- According to Flightradar24, the aircraft reached an altitude of just 175 feet before making a sharp descent. The plane reached a speed of 184 knots before crashing.
- The MD-11 was 34 years old and had been operated by UPS since 2006.
Fatalities and Injuries
- Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed at least seven fatalities and warned the number may rise.
- Eleven others were injured, several of them seriously, and were taken to local hospitals.
- The status of the three crew members aboard remains unconfirmed as of Tuesday night.
- The aircraft’s fiery crash caused significant damage to surrounding businesses, including a direct hit on a recycling center and partial damage to an auto parts store, where two employees remain unaccounted for.
Emergency Response
- All departing flights were canceled, and a shelter-in-place order was issued within a five-mile radius, later extended north to the Ohio River, covering much of downtown Louisville.
- Local emergency services, police, fire departments, and federal agencies have mobilized in full force.
- The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) has urged residents to stay away from the area due to ongoing fire, debris, and potential explosion risk.
Investigation Underway
- The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) is leading the investigation and has dispatched a go-team to the scene, arriving Wednesday.
- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and UPS are assisting in the inquiry.
- According to Gov. Beshear, the aircraft was carrying over 38,000 gallons of fuel at the time, but no hazardous materials that pose environmental concerns have been reported.
Impact on the Community
- The Muhammad Ali Center issued a statement expressing sorrow and solidarity, calling the event “a devastating tragedy in our hometown.”
- Local residents have been advised to report any debris and avoid touching it. Photos can be submitted to local authorities for safety assessment.
- Jefferson County Public Schools, Kentucky’s largest district, announced a closure on Wednesday due to the shelter-in-place order.
Context
The MD-11, a workhorse in cargo aviation, has long been regarded by pilots as challenging to land and operate, especially under high-stress conditions. It was retired from commercial passenger service in 2014, with cargo use now its primary function.
This crash underscores the dangers associated with takeoff — widely regarded as one of the most perilous phases of flight. Footage from local news affiliates showed the plane erupting into flames as it hit the ground, with thick smoke trailing into the evening sky.
Looking Ahead
Federal investigators are expected to release a preliminary report within the week. For now, the city of Louisville continues its response effort while awaiting answers for the victims’ families, the crew, and the wider aviation community.
UPS Confirms Accident and Suspends Worldport Operations
In a statement released at 9:30 PM ET, UPS said:
“We are terribly saddened by the accident tonight in Louisville. Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone involved. UPS is committed to the safety of our employees, our customers, and the communities we serve. This is particularly true in Louisville, home to our airline and thousands of UPSers.”
The company added that it is halting all package sorting operations at its Worldport air hub for the night in response to the incident. Worldport is UPS’s primary air cargo facility and one of the largest automated package handling centers in the world.
