At least 11 people were killed after a UPS cargo plane crashed during take off from an airport in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday evening, the state's governor has confirmed.
Governor Andy Beshear announced that the death toll could rise, with expectations that at least one child may be among the deceased following the explosion that occurred as the plane departed from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport around 17:15 local time (22:15 GMT).
Reports indicate that the left engine burst into flames and detached from the wing during the plane's ascent, creating a large fireball that sent smoke billowing into the sky, according to the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB).
In addition to the fatalities, more than a dozen individuals suffered injuries ranging from burns and shrapnel wounds to smoke inhalation.
Survivors have reported experiencing very significant injuries, and emergency crews are still searching for victims as several people remain unaccounted for. It is believed that the three-member crew of the plane is among the dead.
A preliminary investigation is currently underway, although officials have stated it is too soon to determine the cause of the crash. Surveillance footage and data from the aircraft is being analyzed.
The NTSB's Todd Inman confirmed that CCTV recordings indicate the left engine detached during the takeoff roll. The aircraft managed to lift off and clear a fence at the end of the runway before striking several surrounding businesses.
In response to the tragedy, Beshear declared a state of emergency on Wednesday to expedite resource allocation through emergency management and the Kentucky National Guard.
In an update, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg stated that the airport’s runway has reopened, allowing flights to resume operations. However, officials remain concerned as at least 16 families have reported missing loved ones. Two workers from a nearby auto business, impacted by the crash, are among those unaccounted for, though it remains unclear how many customers were inside the facility during the incident.
While UPS confirmed the presence of three crew members on board, the company has yet to verify any associated injuries or casualties. Local officials are working diligently to uncover the exact number of individuals affected and navigate the extensive debris zone created by the wreckage.
Kentucky Representative Morgan McGarvey reported that 28 NTSB personnel are onsite, dedicated to thoroughly analyzing every aspect of the situation. The significant fuel load—approximately 38,000 gallons—was attributed to intensifying the blaze that ensued, leading to hazardous conditions in the vicinity.
Initial shelter-in-place orders were enacted due to air pollution and the possibility of further explosions but were later confined to a one-mile radius around the crash site.
The incident, which left communities shaken, saw UPS expressing deep sorrow over the loss and pausing package sorting operations at their Worldport facility while ensuring employee safety.
Lewisville is known to host UPS Worldport, the global hub for the company's air cargo operations, making this incident particularly impactful.
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