At least 11 people were killed after a UPS cargo plane crashed during takeoff from an airport in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday evening, the state's governor said.
Andy Beshear stated that the death toll is expected to rise and may include at least one child. The aircraft exploded as it departed Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport around 5:15 PM local time.
The crash occurred when the left engine caught fire, subsequently falling from the wing during takeoff, which led to a significant fire and thick smoke as reported by the National Transportation and Safety Board (NTSB).
More than a dozen others sustained injuries ranging from burns to smoke inhalation. Survivors have reported suffering very significant injuries and search efforts for the missing are ongoing.
Authorities believe that the plane's three-member crew is among the deceased. Preliminary investigations have started, with officials unable to confirm the cause of the crash just yet; however, they have collected key data from the aircraft.
CCTV footage has shown the left engine detaching from the wing as the aircraft began its takeoff roll, and investigators have recovered the crucial black box that will aid in the investigation.
Beshear declared a state of emergency to expedite resource allocation for rescue operations. The Louisville airport has since reopened as search efforts and investigations continue.
Officials noted that at least 16 families reported loved ones missing from the crash site. The plane was reportedly undertaking a journey of approximately 4,300 miles to Hawaii, carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, which intensified the devastating fire.
Although no hazardous cargo was onboard, the explosion engulfed nearby businesses, prompting a shelter-in-place order to be issued for a one-mile radius around the crash site.
UPS stated they were devastated by the incident and committed to investigating while suspending package sorting operations at their Louisville facility indefinitely.
