A massive fire broke out in a United States city today following a UPS cargo plane crash and explosion during takeoff. The incident occurred at Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky, resulting in at least nine fatalities and another 11 individuals sustaining severe injuries. The death toll is anticipated to rise as authorities continue their assessment of the situation.
The McDonnell Douglas MD-11 plane, manufactured in 1991, crashed at approximately 5:15 PM local time after its left wing caught fire, leading to a significant fireball upon impact. Departing from the UPS Worldport facility in Louisville, the aircraft was en route to Hawaii.
Key details surrounding the crash remain unknown, including the identities of the victims and the exact cause of the disaster. Investigations by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently underway to determine the sequence of events leading to the tragic incident.
Eyewitness footage captured flames emanating from the plane’s left wing before it crashed and exploded. Multiple explosions were heard, with some structures near the airport sustaining damage. An aviation expert suggested that the aircraft struggled to gain altitude due to the fire on its wing, exacerbated by the substantial fuel load onboard.
Authorities plan to retrieve crucial information from the plane’s ‘black box’ recorder to gain insights into the moments preceding the crash, including the crew’s response to the emergency. UPS confirmed that three crew members were on board, all of whom are currently unaccounted for. Residents in the vicinity have been advised to seek shelter due to the spreading flames.
In a statement, UPS expressed deep sorrow over the incident and emphasized their commitment to safety and cooperation with investigative authorities. They assured their dedication to supporting response efforts alongside state and local agencies.