LOUISVILLE – A UPS MD-11 freight plane crashed and exploded during its takeoff at the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport at around 5:15 p.m. on Tuesday. It went down just south of the airport. Witnesses claimed the plane never climbed above 150 feet from the ground as one of its engines caught fire.
Authorities confirmed that at least seven people are dead and 11 others were injured in the crash. Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear said the number of victims could rise as the investigation is ongoing. The three crew members on the plane are presumed dead, and the other four deceased individuals were on the ground.
At least two buildings, Kentucky Petrolium Recycling and Grade A Auto Parts, were hit by the exploding aircraft, causing huge flames and plumes of smoke. Hundreds of local firefighters helped contain the blaze.
The FAA stated that the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) will lead the investigation into the accident.
UPS says the jet was headed to Hawaii. The Louisville International Airport is home to UPS Worldport.
