Several killed as US cargo plane explodes during takeoff

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A collision at Louisville airport in Kentucky has resulted in at least 3 fatalities and 11 injuries.

Local authorities reported an explosion involving a cargo aircraft during its departure from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, leading to at least three deaths and 11 injuries. Both the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have commenced investigations into the incident.

The FAA verified that UPS Flight 2976, a McDonnell Douglas MD‑11 freighter operated by UPS Airlines, went down approximately 5:15 PM local time on Tuesday. The aircraft was departing Louisville with Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport as its destination.

Videos from the site depicted a fiery wreckage situated close to the runway’s end. A large column of black smoke ascended high above where the crash occurred, and fires were observed engulfing adjacent industrial structures. The Louisville Metro Police Department (LMPD) issued a warning: “This is an active scene with fire and debris. Stay away.”

An order to shelter in place was put into effect for all areas within five miles of the airport. Grade Lane, between Stooges and Crittenden, has been closed without a specified reopening time, and airport operations have been entirely halted.

UPS confirmed the presence of three crew members aboard the aircraft when the crash occurred. Although initial reports did not immediately verify their condition, officials subsequently stated that at least three individuals died and 11 sustained injuries, suggesting the casualty count could increase.

Data from flight tracking revealed the MD‑11 attained an approximate altitude of 175 feet and a speed of 184 knots, followed by a swift descent and impact.

The incident took place close to UPS’s global air‑cargo hub in Louisville, which is the company’s largest facility for handling packages. This event is anticipated to lead to substantial interruptions in UPS’s operations, as the facility processes over two million packages each day.

Boeing, having acquired McDonnell Douglas in 1997, expressed concern for the safety and well‑being of everyone impacted and pledged to offer technical assistance to the ongoing investigation.