LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A tragic plane crash at Louisville’s international airport has left 12 individuals dead, including a child, while nine others remain unaccounted for. The incident occurred on Tuesday when a UPS cargo plane, an MD-11 built in the early 1990s, crashed shortly after takeoff around 5:15 p.m. The aircraft was en route to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in Honolulu and was fully fueled for its long journey, carrying approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel when it went down.
The crash resulted in a massive fire that engulfed the surrounding area, sending smoke billowing into the sky and prompting an emergency response from over a dozen agencies. First responders worked through the night, managing to extinguish the flames by 11 p.m. after more than six hours of intense firefighting efforts. Local officials warned that hot spots from the fire might take a week or longer to fully resolve.
As rescue efforts continue, authorities are conducting searches of nearby facilities, including a large recycling center that was impacted by the blaze. Fortunately, there have been no reports of individuals trapped in the wreckage. Mayor Craig Greenberg confirmed that among the deceased were three crew members aboard the flight.
In response to safety concerns, a shelter-in-place order was instituted but has since been reduced to a quarter-mile radius from the crash site at 7501 Grade Lane. Residents living in close proximity are advised to avoid drinking tap water for the time being, although officials reassured the public that areas farther from the site remain safe.
Governor Andy Beshear has declared a State of Emergency, which expedites resources and support through emergency management and the Kentucky National Guard. This measure is intended to assist not only with immediate needs following the disaster but also to ensure that communities affected by the incident can receive prompt aid.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has taken command of the investigation into the crash, which can span a year or more. Officials have reported recovering the aircraft’s black box, which could provide valuable insight into the circumstances surrounding the crash.
UPS Worldport, the company’s main cargo hub, suspended operations on the day of the accident but plans to resume normal operations by Thursday. Some taxiways at the airport remain closed as flight schedules are adjusted. Passengers are urged to check their flight status closely during this ongoing situation.
While officials confirmed that there were no hazardous materials on board the plane, cleanup efforts are complicated by potential hazardous materials at a nearby facility. Utility company LG&E has de-energized power lines to ensure safety in light of the situation.
As the community mourns the loss and grapples with the aftermath, Governor Beshear plans to tour the crash site alongside local leaders to assess the damage and support recovery efforts. The investigation continues as officials work tirelessly to provide answers and aid to those affected by this devastating incident.