Tragic UPS Cargo Plane Crash Claims Seven Lives in Kentucky

Wed Nov 05 2025 09:58:52 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

A UPS cargo plane tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, resulting in seven fatalities and multiple injuries.

A UPS cargo plane crashed while taking off from Louisville, Kentucky, on Tuesday evening, resulting in at least seven fatalities and more than 11 injuries. The incident occurred around 5:15 PM local time, initiating a series of explosions that damaged nearby buildings. Rescue efforts are ongoing as authorities investigate the cause of the crash.

Seven people were killed when a UPS cargo plane crashed while taking off from an airport in Louisville, Kentucky on Tuesday evening, according to the state governor.

At least 11 others were injured when the freight plane exploded during departure from the Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport at around 5:15 PM local time (22:15 GMT), sending thick plumes of black smoke into the air.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear stated the plane's three crew members were likely among the deceased, emphasizing the violent nature of the crash as depicted in images and video footage.

Officials reported very significant injuries, with concerns that the death toll may rise.

UPS flight 2976, bound for Honolulu, Hawaii, was carrying 38,000 gallons (144,000 litres) of fuel when it skidded off the runway in Louisville and struck nearby structures. The explosion engulfed at least two businesses, raising worries about further explosions and air pollution, which prompted initial shelter-in-place orders for a five-mile radius around the airport, later narrowed to one mile.

All departures from the airport for Tuesday evening were canceled, according to a statement from airport officials.

The Louisville Fire Department reported that the fire was mostly contained, though crews remain on-site to ensure thorough search and safety procedures. Fire Chief Brian O'Neill highlighted the extensive resources required to address such a large-scale incident.

Beshear advised the public to avoid the crash site due to lingering hazards, stating that the National Transportation Safety Bureau (NTSB) would lead the investigation into the crash's cause.

The MD-11F aircraft involved in the incident has been part of UPS's operations since 2006, after originally serving as a passenger jet for Thai Airways. With plans to retire the fleet of MD-11s over the next decade, this tragedy has sent shockwaves through the Louisville community, which hosts UPS’s largest package handling facility.

Louisville Mayor Craig Greenberg called the crash an incredible tragedy and thanked first responders for their swift action in combating the fire and aiding victims.