Esther Imonmion
At least seven people were killed after a UPS cargo plane crash at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed.
The UPS cargo plane crash occurred around 17:15 local time (22:15 GMT) as the freight aircraft took off, exploding moments later in a massive fireball that sent thick plumes of smoke into the sky. Beshear said the plane’s three crew members were likely among the dead, while at least 11 others suffered injuries, some critical.
Two workers from an auto business struck by the plane remain missing, and officials warned that the death toll from the UPS cargo plane crash could rise.
In a statement, UPS said three crew members were aboard the aircraft but added that it had “not confirmed any injuries or casualties.”
A preliminary investigation has been launched to determine what caused the UPS cargo plane crash, though authorities said it is too early to draw conclusions. Officials noted that the massive blaze was fueled by 38,000 gallons (144,000 litres) of jet fuel as the plane began a 4,300-mile (6,920 km) journey to Hawaii.
The explosion destroyed nearby buildings, including a petroleum recycling company. A shelter-in-place order was issued within a five-mile radius of the airport but was later reduced to one mile as firefighters battled the flames.
Louisville Fire Chief Brian O’Neal described the aftermath of the UPS cargo plane crash as “a very dangerous situation,” citing the large amount of fuel spilled at the crash site.
Governor Beshear urged residents to avoid the area.
“Anyone who has seen the images and the video knows how violent this crash is,” he said. “There are still dangerous things that are flammable and potentially explosive.”
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation, with its team expected to arrive in Louisville on Wednesday. Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey said the scene of the UPS cargo plane crash would remain active for several days as crews work to secure the area.
The aircraft involved, a McDonnell Douglas MD-11F, entered service 34 years ago with Thai Airways before being transferred to UPS in 2006. The model has been gradually phased out by major cargo operators.
In a statement, Boeing, which merged with McDonnell Douglas in 1997, said it is “ready to support our customer” and will provide technical assistance to investigators of the UPS cargo plane crash.
Louisville is home to UPS Worldport, the company’s largest global air hub. UPS said it was “terribly saddened” by the UPS cargo plane crash and suspended operations at Worldport on Tuesday night.
Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg called the UPS cargo plane crash “an incredible tragedy our community will never forget,” adding, “We are so thankful for our brave first responders who have flooded the scene to help control the fire and support victims on the ground.”
The UPS cargo plane crash has left Kentucky mourning as investigators work to uncover the cause of one of the state’s deadliest aviation accidents in recent years.