Seven Dead as UPS Cargo Plane Crashes After Takeoff in Louisville

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft, bound for Hawaii, burst into flames moments after takeoff from Louisville International Airport, striking nearby businesses and forcing flight disruptions across the region.

Kentucky, USA — Tragedy struck on Tuesday evening when a UPS cargo plane crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville International Airport, killing at least seven people and injuring several others, according to state and federal officials.

The McDonnell Douglas MD-11, which was en route to Hawaii, went down around 5:15 p.m. local time, erupting into flames upon impact with nearby commercial buildings, including a petroleum recycling facility close to the airport. The fiery crash sent plumes of thick black smoke billowing into the sky and forced emergency crews to battle intense flames for hours.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed the fatalities and warned that the death toll could rise as search and recovery operations continue into the night. “This is a devastating day for our state,” Beshear said, offering condolences to the victims’ families and praising first responders for their quick action.

UPS officials said that three crew members were on board at the time of the crash but did not immediately confirm their conditions. “We are deeply saddened by this incident and are working closely with authorities to determine what happened,” UPS said in a brief statement.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have launched a joint investigation to determine the cause of the crash. Early reports suggest the aircraft may have experienced engine trouble or loss of altitude shortly after takeoff, though officials stressed that it is too soon to draw conclusions.

The crash site’s proximity to UPS’s global air hub in Louisville, one of the company’s busiest distribution centers, forced temporary flight suspensions and delays across its U.S. network. Authorities are working to reopen affected routes as safety inspections continue.

Residents near the area described hearing a “massive explosion” followed by intense heat and fire. “The ground shook — it felt like an earthquake,” said one eyewitness, who lives less than a mile from the crash site.

As investigators comb through debris and review flight data, the incident marks one of the deadliest aviation accidents in Kentucky’s recent history.

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