Kentucky Airport Crash Leaves Nine Dead, Many Missing
Synopsis
At least nine people are dead after a UPS cargo plane crashed and exploded during takeoff at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky Tuesday evening. The freight aircraft was carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel and hit nearby businesses, including an auto shop. Eleven people were injured and at least 16 families reported loved ones missing. Officials warn the death toll could rise. A massive explosion sent thick black smoke into the air and authorities ordered people near the airport to shelter in place.
Highlights
- A UPS cargo plane crashed while taking off at Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport on Tuesday evening, killing nine people.
- The plane exploded around 5:15 PM local time with three crew members on board
- Eleven others were injured when the plane crashed into nearby businesses, including an auto shop.
- A plane carrying 38,000 GALLONS of fuel bound for Hawaii exploded, causing a massive fire.
- At least 16 families reported loved ones missing, the death toll could rise.
Plane Explodes During Takeoff
A UPS cargo aircraft crashed and exploded while taking off from Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport in Kentucky on Tuesday evening about 5:15 PM. Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear confirmed at least nine people died including the three crew members aboard the plane. The freight aircraft was fully loaded with 38,000 gallons of fuel for a 4,300-mile journey to Hawaii. Thick black smoke billowed into the sky as the aircraft exploded and hit at least two nearby businesses including an auto shop and a petroleum recycling company. Eleven other people suffered injuries and officials warned some had "very significant" injuries so the death toll could rise.
Families Seek Out Their Missing Loved Ones
At least 16 different families reported loved ones unaccounted for, according to Governor Beshear. Two workers at the auto business were still missing as of Tuesday evening. Officials do not know how many customers were on the premises when the crash happened. The huge explosion engulfed the nearby businesses in flames. Louisville Fire Department chief Brian O'Neal called it a "very dangerous situation" because of the huge amount of fuel spilled at the crash site. Authorities first ordered people within five miles of the airport to shelter in place due to concerns about more explosions and air pollution.
Investigation Underway at Crash Site
The airport cancelled all departing flights on Tuesday evening but Mayor Craig Greenberg said the flights will resume and the affected runway will be closed for 10 days. Governor Beshear warned people not to go near the crash site. "Anyone who has seen the images and the video knows how violent this crash is," he said. "There are still dangerous things that are flammable, that are potentially explosive." Louisville Metro Police Chief Paul Humphrey said the crash site will remain an active scene for several days.
The National Transportation Safety Bureau will lead the investigation with a team arriving on Wednesday. Beshear said he would not speculate on what caused the incident. The aircraft was an MD-11F triple-engine plane that first flew 34 years ago and UPS got it in 2006. Boeing said it will offer technical assistance to investigators. Louisville is home to UPS Worldport, the company's largest package handling facility in the world.
FAQs
Q: How many people died in the UPS plane crash?
A: At least nine people were killed, including the three crew members of the plane. Officials warn that the death toll could rise since 16 families reported their loved ones missing.
Q: Why did a UPS cargo plane crash in Kentucky?
A: The cause is not known. The National Transportation Safety Bureau is investigating but officials said it's too early to say what caused the crash.
Q: How much fuel was on the plane when it crashed?
A: At the time of the crash, the aircraft was carrying 38,000 gallons of fuel. The aircraft was beginning a 4,300-mile journey to Hawaii.
Q: Did the cargo plane hit any buildings?
A: Yes, at least two businesses in the vicinity were struck by the plane when it crashed, including an auto shop and a petroleum recycling company. Two workers are missing from the auto business.
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