At least seven individuals perished following a cargo aircraft crash and subsequent explosion during takeoff. The UPS plane, carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel, burst into flames shortly after departing from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport yesterday evening. Authorities have confirmed three fatalities, with expectations of a higher death toll.
Residents in Louisville are advised to stay indoors, close doors and windows due to the ongoing hazardous situation. The pilot and crew onboard UPS Flight 2976 are presumed deceased, while rescue operations are underway for individuals trapped in nearby buildings. Governor Andy Beshear stated that the death toll is likely to increase, with at least 11 reported injuries, some severe.
The tragic incident unfolded at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, where UPS operates a global aviation hub. The aircraft, bound for Hawaii, caught fire during liftoff and exploded dramatically. Authorities, in a recent press conference, disclosed the current death toll of three, expecting it to rise, without providing further specifics.
Additionally, 11 people sustained injuries, with the possibility of an increase in this count. The extent of these injuries is described as severe, though details remain unclear. The impact of the crash caused minor physical injuries and mental distress to numerous individuals in the vicinity.
A shelter-in-place order was expanded to areas north of the airport, urging residents to remain indoors. Governor Beshear emphasized the need to allow first responders to carry out rescue operations safely. The crash is deemed catastrophic, prompting an urgent response from all available resources.
Boeing, the aircraft manufacturer, expressed readiness to assist and support the ongoing investigation led by the National Transportation Safety Board. The aircraft involved, an MD-11F, is part of UPS’s fleet, scheduled for replacement over the next decade. Originally manufactured by McDonnell Douglas, the MD-11F was introduced in the 1990s to meet the demand for long-distance cargo transport.
MD-11Fs have dimensions of approximately 61 meters in length and a wingspan of 52 meters, slightly smaller than a Boeing 747. Boeing affirmed its commitment to ensuring the safety and well-being of all those impacted by the tragic event.