A calm Tuesday evening in Louisville, Kentucky, erupted into chaos when a UPS cargo plane burst into flames moments after takeoff, crashing into several nearby buildings and killing at least seven people. Authorities warn the number could rise as search and rescue teams continue working through the charred debris and smoldering wreckage.
The aircraft, identified as UPS Flight 2976, a Boeing 767 freighter bound for Honolulu, went down just three miles south of Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport shortly after 5:15 p.m. local time. What began as a routine departure turned into one of the deadliest aviation disasters in the region’s recent memory.
The Crash and the Firestorm
Witnesses said the plane struggled shortly after takeoff. “It looked like it couldn’t climb,” said one resident near the airport. “Then it tilted, hit something, and exploded. The sky lit up orange.”
Officials confirmed the jet slammed into several industrial buildings, including a fuel recycling plant, igniting a massive blaze fed by roughly 38,000 gallons of jet fuel. The explosion engulfed multiple structures in seconds, sending plumes of fire and smoke hundreds of feet into the air.
The flames were visible for miles. Fire crews from across Jefferson County raced to the scene, battling extreme heat and dangerous conditions as the fire spread rapidly. Helicopters hovered overhead to monitor the situation while sirens blared throughout the city.
Residents Told to Shelter Indoors
Local officials quickly issued a shelter-in-place order for residents within a five-mile radius of the airport, warning of possible chemical exposure from the burning fuel. Emergency alerts instructed people to remain indoors, close windows, and shut off air conditioning systems.
Jefferson County Public Schools, the state’s largest district, canceled all classes for Wednesday. “Our top priority is keeping families safe,” a district spokesperson said.
Casualties and Recovery Efforts
By nightfall, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed at least seven deaths, including several victims who were inside the buildings struck by the plane. “The news out of Louisville is tough tonight,” Beshear said. “First responders are working tirelessly to put out the fire and find survivors. Please keep these families in your prayers. Kentucky is hurting after a heartbreaking day.”
Authorities warned that more victims may still be inside the wreckage. At least eleven others were injured, several critically, and the three UPS crew members aboard the aircraft remained missing late Tuesday night.
A Terrifying Scene Captured on Video
Within hours, graphic footage began circulating online showing the moments before and after impact. In one video, the plane appears to skid off the runway before erupting into a massive fireball. Another clip shows the burning wreckage consuming nearby structures as explosions echo in the background.
“You could feel the blast from blocks away,” said Denise Turner, who lives less than a mile from the crash site. “The windows shook, and the heat was unreal. It felt like a bomb went off.”
The Emergency Response
More than 100 firefighters worked through the night to contain the blaze. Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neill described the conditions as “unlike anything we’ve seen in years,” citing extreme heat, structural collapse, and recurring explosions.
“We’re dealing with multiple destroyed buildings and high fuel loads,” he said. “Our teams are exhausted, but they’re pushing forward with everything they’ve got.”
By midnight, Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg announced that the fire was “mostly contained,” though several hotspots remained. “We’re not out of danger yet,” he warned. “Our hearts are with the families who’ve lost loved ones and with the brave men and women still out there on the front lines.”
The airport temporarily suspended all operations but was expected to reopen by Wednesday morning, with flights rerouted to Cincinnati and Nashville.
Federal Investigation Underway
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have both launched investigations. A team of federal experts is set to arrive early Wednesday to analyze flight data, cockpit recordings, and maintenance history.
Preliminary evidence points to a possible mechanical failure shortly after takeoff, though investigators have not ruled out other causes, including engine malfunction or fuel contamination. The NTSB will also review maintenance logs from UPS’s Louisville hub, one of the company’s largest facilities.
UPS Issues Statement
In a statement released Tuesday night, UPS expressed “deep sorrow” over the tragedy and pledged full cooperation with federal authorities.
“Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone affected by this terrible event,” the company said. “UPS is committed to the safety of our employees, our customers, and the communities we serve — especially here in Louisville, which is home to our airline operations and thousands of UPSers.”
The company confirmed the aircraft had passed a routine maintenance inspection just two weeks earlier and was operated by an experienced crew.
Witness Accounts and Community Impact
As firefighters battled flames late into the night, stunned residents stood at a distance, watching in disbelief. Some described hearing a strange whining sound before the crash, followed by an explosion that “lit up the sky like daylight.”
“I’ve worked near this airport for twenty years,” said one ground crew worker. “I’ve never seen anything like it. The plane was low, too low — then it was gone.”
Entire blocks near the crash site were destroyed, including the fuel recycling facility, a trucking depot, and several warehouses. Environmental officials are now assessing the potential impact of burning chemicals and jet fuel runoff into nearby waterways.
The Aftermath
By dawn, the city was still covered in haze and the smell of smoke. Emergency teams continued searching the wreckage for survivors. Flags across Kentucky will fly at half-staff for the victims.
Governor Beshear pledged a full state response, including grief counseling for affected families and housing for those displaced by the fire. “This is a devastating loss,” he said. “But Kentuckians have always come together in tragedy, and we will again.”
Now, a blackened stretch of land south of the runway marks the site of destruction — a grim reminder of how quickly life can change in an instant.
As investigators sift through the wreckage, one truth stands out: this disaster will be remembered not just for its scale, but for the courage of those who faced the flames when everyone else was running the other way.