LOUISVILLE, Ky. (RTW News) — The search for victims of a tragic UPS cargo plane crash in Louisville has extended into a third day, with authorities grappling to comprehend the scope of the disaster. The horrific firestorm, which erupted following the crash, has resulted in at least 12 casualties, including a young child. The incident has raised significant concerns as rescuers tread carefully through the ashen remnants of the crash at UPS Worldport, the corporation's major logistics hub.
On Tuesday, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft was cleared for takeoff when a significant fire ignited in its left wing moments before the crash outside Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson Todd Inman announced the aircraft managed to gain sufficient altitude before descending.
The cockpit voice recorder and data recorder have been recovered, although it may take more than a year to decipher the cause of this devastating accident. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as the fire enveloped the cargo plane and nearby businesses, leading to smaller explosions at locations, including the Kentucky Petroleum Recycling facility.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear indicated that among those deceased was a child who, tragically, was accompanying a parent at a nearby auto salvage yard. Meanwhile, two other individuals remain hospitalized in critical condition due to severe burns. Despite the recovery efforts, fears rise that more lives may have been lost.
While officials declared the area safe and airline operations resumed, the urgency to comprehend what caused the fire and subsequent crash remains high. Investigators speculate that factors such as mechanical failure or fuel leaks might have contributed to the incident, drawing parallels to similar historical aviation disasters. As the community mourns this immense tragedy, investigations proceed to seek answers amidst the grief.
On Tuesday, the McDonnell Douglas MD-11 aircraft was cleared for takeoff when a significant fire ignited in its left wing moments before the crash outside Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport. National Transportation Safety Board spokesperson Todd Inman announced the aircraft managed to gain sufficient altitude before descending.
The cockpit voice recorder and data recorder have been recovered, although it may take more than a year to decipher the cause of this devastating accident. Eyewitnesses described a scene of chaos as the fire enveloped the cargo plane and nearby businesses, leading to smaller explosions at locations, including the Kentucky Petroleum Recycling facility.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear indicated that among those deceased was a child who, tragically, was accompanying a parent at a nearby auto salvage yard. Meanwhile, two other individuals remain hospitalized in critical condition due to severe burns. Despite the recovery efforts, fears rise that more lives may have been lost.
While officials declared the area safe and airline operations resumed, the urgency to comprehend what caused the fire and subsequent crash remains high. Investigators speculate that factors such as mechanical failure or fuel leaks might have contributed to the incident, drawing parallels to similar historical aviation disasters. As the community mourns this immense tragedy, investigations proceed to seek answers amidst the grief.
