Tragic UPS Cargo Plane Crash Claims Lives in Kentucky

Sun Nov 30 2025 22:14:03 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville, Kentucky has resulted in at least seven fatalities and multiple injuries, sparking a major emergency response and investigation.

On Tuesday evening, a UPS cargo plane tragically crashed during takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, leading to the deaths of at least seven people, including potentially all three crew members. The incident occurred around 5:15 PM local time, resulting in significant injuries to at least 11 others. The explosion that followed the crash engulfed nearby buildings, prompting a shelter-in-place order. Emergency services are struggling to contain the resulting fire and search for additional victims amidst dangerous conditions. The National Transportation Safety Bureau is set to investigate the cause of this devastating incident.

Seven people were killed when a UPS cargo plane crashed while taking off from an airport in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday evening, the state's governor said.

At least 11 other people were injured when the freight plane exploded as it departed Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport at around 17:15 local time (22:15 GMT), sending thick plumes of black smoke into the sky.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated that the plane's three crew members were likely to be among the dead, emphasizing the violent nature of the crash. Officials indicated that the injuries sustained were 'very significant' and that the death toll could potentially rise.

UPS flight 2976, bound for Honolulu, Hawaii, was carrying 38,000 gallons (144,000 litres) of fuel when it skidded off the runway and struck nearby buildings, resulting in explosions that engulfed at least two local businesses, including a petroleum recycling company. A shelter-in-place order was initially issued for residents within a five-mile radius due to concerns over further explosions and air pollution, although this was later reduced to just one mile.

In light of the incident, all departing flights for Tuesday evening were canceled. Louisville Fire Department Chief Brian O'Neill reported that the fire was nearly contained but continues to necessitate large-scale firefighting efforts from personnel across the region.

Governor Beshear requested that the public refrain from visiting the crash site, citing ongoing safety hazards. He declined to speculate on the cause of the incident, noting that the National Transportation Safety Bureau (NTSB) would lead the investigation.

The NTSB's investigative team is expected to arrive in Kentucky shortly. Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey warned that the crash site would remain an active scene for several days as authorities work to render it safe for investigation.

The aircraft involved, an MD-11F, is of a model that began service 34 years ago and has been gradually phased out in favor of modern fleets by companies like UPS and FedEx. Boeing has expressed its commitment to supporting the investigation and offering technical assistance.

Louisville's UPS Worldport, the largest package handling facility in the world, was notably affected by the crash, with local council member Betsy Ruhe commenting on the impact this tragedy would have on the community, where nearly every resident knows someone employed by UPS.

The city grieves the significant loss of life and the destruction caused by this tragic event, reflecting on the local ties to a company that plays a central role in the community.