LOUISVILLE, Ky. — A UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville’s Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, leaving at least a dozen people dead and several injured. The incident occurred around 5:15 p.m., shortly before a large plume of smoke was reported in the area.
Three crewmembers were aboard the aircraft, en route to Honolulu, Hawaii. As emergency responders raced to the scene near Fern Valley Road and Grade Lane, Louisville Metro Police confirmed that multiple agencies were involved in the rescue efforts. By nightfall, the death toll had risen to at least seven, with additional injuries reported, according to comments made by Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear.
In the aftermath of the crash, a shelter-in-place order was initially issued for a wide area stretching from the Outer Loop to northern Jeffersonville, Indiana. Authorities advised residents to stay indoors and avoid exposure to smoke and debris. This precaution was later adjusted to a more localized one-mile radius around the airport. Officials also urged those in the affected area to turn off air intake systems in their homes or businesses.
The tragedy extended beyond the immediate vicinity of the crash site. Jefferson County Public Schools announced the closure of all schools for Wednesday, canceling extracurricular activities and operating similarly to a snow day. Administrators plan to closely monitor air and water quality at schools near the incident.
UPS has ceased operations at its Worldport facility in Louisville for the night. Company representatives expressed their sorrow over the incident, emphasizing their commitment to the safety of employees and the surrounding community. “Our heartfelt thoughts are with everyone involved,” stated UPS officials.
As emergency services treated the injured, hospitals began to receive patients. Out of ten individuals treated at UofL Health, two were in critical condition, while the others were being cared for with injuries deemed non-life-threatening.
Governor Beshear noted that the crash site impacted at least two businesses, including Kentucky Petroleum Recycling, which suffered significant damage. While the Ford Louisville Assembly Plant was spared, officials remain concerned about the potential environmental impact of the crash.
As investigations begin, the Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board are working to determine the cause of the incident. Preliminary reports indicate that the aircraft involved was a McDonnell Douglas MD-11. Local lawmakers have expressed their condolences and extended prayers to the victims and their families, underscoring the community’s support in the wake of this tragedy.
As authorities continue to address the situation, residents are being reminded to avoid the area, as the crash remained an active scene well into the evening. Flight operations at Louisville SDF have been halted temporarily, leaving passengers advised to recheck their travel plans. The community is urged to rely on the designated victim reunification center for updates on loved ones rather than visiting hospitals, which are not equipped for reunification efforts.
This heartbreaking incident will undoubtedly leave a lasting mark on the Louisville community, and officials are committed to keeping the public informed as further developments unfold.