At least 11 people have been confirmed dead following the crash of a UPS cargo plane near the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, United States.
The aircraft, identified as UPS Flight 2976, crashed shortly after takeoff at approximately 5:15 p.m. local time on Tuesday.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 was en route to Honolulu when it went down three miles south of the airfield.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear described the incident as “a catastrophic crash,” noting that the death toll could rise as emergency responders continue search and recovery operations. He said at least 11 others sustained injuries.
The plane reportedly struck an area housing a petroleum recycling facility and an auto parts business, triggering a massive fire and multiple explosions. Officials said the aircraft was carrying approximately 38,000 gallons of fuel at the time of the crash.
Louisville Metro Emergency Services Director, Edward Meiman, said authorities were conducting door-to-door checks to ensure all individuals in the vicinity were accounted for. He noted that two employees from the auto parts business remained missing.
“Because of the nature of these facilities, it may be some time before we can account for everyone or know that no one else was on the grounds,” Beshear said.
The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched investigations into the cause of the crash. The black box flight recorder has reportedly been recovered.
