A devastating tragedy struck Tuesday evening in Louisville, Kentucky, when a UPS cargo plane erupted into flames just moments after takeoff — killing at least seven people and leaving several others missing.
The aircraft, identified as UPS Flight 2976, had been bound for Honolulu, Hawaii, when it crashed around 5:15 p.m. local time, just three miles south of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport.
Fireball engulfs buildings
The plane reportedly collided with several nearby buildings, including a fuel recycling facility, sparking a massive fire that burned late into the night. Authorities confirmed the aircraft had been carrying roughly 38,000 gallons of jet fuel, fueling an inferno that sent thick columns of smoke billowing for miles.
Residents living within a five-mile radius of the airport were ordered to remain indoors while firefighters battled the blaze and monitored air quality for potential hazards.
Jefferson County Public Schools, the largest district in Kentucky, announced that all classes would be canceled on Wednesday in light of the ongoing shelter-in-place order following the disaster.
Seven confirmed dead, toll may rise
As of Tuesday night, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed that at least seven people had lost their lives, warning that the number could climb as search and recovery operations continued.
“The news out of Louisville is difficult tonight,” Beshear wrote on X. “First responders are working around the clock to extinguish the flames and protect the community. Please keep the victims’ families in your prayers. Kentucky is hurting deeply after such a heartbreaking day.”
At least eleven others were reported injured, and several individuals remain missing, including the three UPS crew members who were aboard the cargo jet when it went down.
Shocking video footage
Dashcam and eyewitness videos captured the horrifying sequence of events as the massive cargo plane veered off the runway and exploded on impact. Within seconds, flames engulfed nearby structures, sending towering clouds of black smoke into the sky.
Clips circulating online show fire trucks and emergency personnel racing to the scene, working tirelessly through the night to bring the raging fire under control.
Investigation underway
By midnight, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg reported that the fire had been largely contained, though the full scale of the devastation was still being assessed.
“There are over 100 firefighters from across the region still on site, working to make the area safe for our community,” Greenberg said. “The airport is closed for the night but is expected to reopen tomorrow morning.”
Officials from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are set to begin a full investigation into the crash Wednesday morning.
UPS responds
UPS released a statement expressing deep sorrow and sympathy for all those affected by the crash.
“Our hearts go out to everyone involved,” the company said. “UPS remains committed to the safety of our employees, customers, and the communities we serve — especially here in Louisville, which is home to our airline and thousands of UPS team members.”
The company added, “We are cooperating fully with the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation and remain in close communication with the Federal Aviation Administration. We will continue to work diligently with local and state authorities throughout the response and recovery process.”
Such a heartbreaking tragedy — thoughts and prayers go out to the victims, their families, and everyone affected by this devastating crash.