At least seven individuals have lost their lives following a cargo aircraft crash and subsequent explosion during takeoff.
The UPS plane, carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel (approximately 144,000 liters), burst into flames shortly after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport at 5:15 pm local time yesterday. While authorities have confirmed three fatalities, the death toll is anticipated to rise.
Residents of Louisville are advised to stay indoors, close doors and windows, as the situation remains hazardous. Although it is believed that the pilot and crew onboard UPS Flight 2976 perished, rescue efforts are ongoing for individuals trapped in nearby structures near the airport, which serviced nearly five million travelers last year.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated, “At present, we can confirm at least three fatalities, but this number is likely to increase. We have recorded a minimum of 11 injuries, some of which are severe… The crash was extremely violent, as evident from the images and videos.”
The Mirror has gathered sufficient details to outline the events at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport and the subsequent response from authorities.
While officials have refrained from speculating on the crash’s cause, there is an active effort to extricate trapped individuals from the wreckage and nearby buildings.
The global aviation hub of UPS is located at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. The aircraft, bound for Hawaii, caught fire during takeoff and subsequently exploded.
Authorities have just concluded a press briefing at the airport, confirming the loss of three lives with a possibility of more casualties. No specific details about the deceased were disclosed during the announcement.
Additionally, 11 individuals have sustained injuries, with the count expected to rise. The injuries are described as severe, although the exact nature remains undisclosed.
Many individuals suffered minor physical injuries and emotional distress due to the crash’s impact, which reverberated across the airport’s vicinity. Witnesses reported hearing a loud explosion, causing concern and prompting evacuations in nearby establishments.
A shelter-in-place directive has been extended to areas north of the airport to the Ohio River, which is in close proximity to downtown Louisville. Residents are advised to remain indoors to facilitate ongoing rescue operations.
Gov. Beshear characterized the incident as a “catastrophic crash” requiring a comprehensive emergency response. While the crashed plane did not carry hazardous cargo, the environmental repercussions of the crash are being monitored.
Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, expressed readiness to assist and support the investigation by offering technical aid to the National Transportation Safety Board.
The aircraft involved in the crash was an MD-11F, part of UPS’s fleet that was slated for retirement over the coming decade. Originally produced by McDonnell Douglas in the 1990s, the MD-11F was acquired to meet the growing demand for long-distance cargo transport.
MD-11F aircraft are approximately 61 meters long with a wingspan of 52 meters. Comparatively, a Boeing 747 measures around 76 meters in length with a wingspan of 68 meters.