A massive fire broke out in a US city early this morning following a UPS cargo plane crash and subsequent explosion during takeoff. Tragically, nine individuals have lost their lives, while another eleven sustained severe injuries in the incident at Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky. The death toll is feared to potentially increase as authorities continue their investigation.
The accident occurred around 5:15 pm local time (10 pm GMT) when the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, manufactured in 1991, caught fire on its left wing, leading to a catastrophic fireball as it descended. The plane was en route to Hawaii from the UPS Worldport facility in Louisville.
Key questions surrounding the crash remain unanswered, including the identities of the victims, some of whom were on the ground during the tragedy. Reports indicate that four of the deceased were not passengers on the plane, according to Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O’Neill. Governor Andy Beshear mentioned that 16 families have reported missing loved ones following the incident.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). Eyewitness footage captured flames emanating from the plane’s left wing before it crashed and exploded in a massive fireball upon lift-off.
Local residents reported hearing multiple loud booms, suggesting several explosions occurred during the incident. Additionally, surveillance footage showed a building ablaze at the end of the airport’s runway, with a fuel recycling business directly hit by the plane and a car parts business affected by debris.
Aviation expert Pablo Rojas noted that the aircraft appeared to struggle to gain altitude amidst the wing fire, exacerbated by the substantial fuel onboard, which facilitated the fire’s intensity and potential explosion.
The FAA and NTSB plan to analyze critical data from the plane’s black box recorder to determine the circumstances leading up to the crash, shedding light on the crew’s actions and awareness during the emergency.
UPS confirmed that three crew members were onboard, all of whom are currently unaccounted for. Residents in the vicinity were urged to seek immediate shelter due to the spreading flames.
In a statement, UPS expressed deep sorrow over the incident and emphasized their commitment to safety for employees, customers, and communities. The company assured cooperation with investigative authorities and local response efforts to address the aftermath of the tragic event.